School district cancels eagle feather ceremony
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Filed Under:
Education
|
Law
A public school district in Oregon will no longer be hosting an eagle feather ceremony for Indian students.
The
Lincoln County School District presented participants in the Indian education program with feathers when they graduated. But the ceremony stopped this year because official were told by the
Department of Justice that "it was illegal," Indian Country Today reports.
At issue was whether certain students who are not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe could receive feathers.
Officials also said hosting a ceremony on school grounds might be unconstitutional because it could be construed as promoting a religion.
Indian parents rejected an offer to move the ceremony or to use hawk, turkey or other feathers.
Get the Story:
Awarding eagle feathers at graduation ceremony stirs controversy
(Indian Country Today 9/23)
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