Feather-tying ceremony honors Bismarck-Mandan Native graduates’ protected cultural rights

About 75 students are bestowed an eagle feather to acknowledge life milestone

Hundreds of loved ones packed an auditorium to watch as their students were bestowed the treasured eagle feathers or plumes by their parents and guardians during a feather-tying ceremony leading up to Sunday’s graduation.

“When you receive these feathers today, also take note that that is a very powerful medicine that you’re going to give,” said Wind Spirit Spotted Bear, interim president of the Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee. “Take good care of those feathers. Feed them. Talk to them from time to time, because they have a spirit. Those feathers represent your life.”

Bismarck Public Schools and Mandan Public Schools jointly celebrated Indigenous students’ achievements and their protected rights to wear eagle feathers and tribal regalia at the May 25 ceremony. About 75 Native students from the Bismarck-Mandan area received their diplomas this week.

Many of the 574 federally recognized tribes bestow an eagle feather or plume, a long soft feather sometimes used in arrangements, to acknowledge one’s achievements, according to the Native American Rights Fund. Many tribes believe eagles have a special connection to the Creator and carry peoples’ prayers.

“While tribal religions and spiritual practices vary, in general, a Native person who wears a plume or eagle feather at a public event has done something amazing to show that they have the maturity to pray and care for themselves and others.”

Spotted Bear was taught that the center of a feather represents one’s journey and passage through life, and the bottom represents the beginning of life. Along with eagle feathers and plumes, some families gifted their graduates star quilts, another tradition to honor their milestone achievements.

Waŋblí — or eagle, in Lakota — is the strongest and bravest of the birds. Its feathers symbolize what’s the highest, bravest, strongest and holiest. “​​Eagle feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are worn with dignity and pride,” according to St. Joseph’s Indian School,

Eagle feathers have been worn at graduation ceremonies as a rite of passage. Nearly every year, controversy has arisen around eagle feathers, beaded graduation caps or other regalia banned or outright taken from students during graduation ceremonies. This recently happened to a Farmington High School graduate.

Meanwhile, North Dakota Century Code 15.1-19-28 “prevents school districts or schools from establishing dress codes that prohibit students from wearing traditional tribal regalia, including eagle feathers, at graduation ceremonies.”

Fortunately for students at BPS and MPS, regalia has been welcomed with feather tying and graduation ceremonies. Jeff Fastnacht, the superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools, said during a speech to graduates, “In no way, shape or form should any child from this point forward be allowed to enter a Bismarck public school with their culture on the shelf.”

Up to graduation, events such as United Tribes Technical College’s all-schools powwow on April 27 celebrated and honored the local Native high school and college graduates. Tomi Cimarosti, the incoming BPS Indigenous Education Director, wants students to remember their roots, no matter where they go.

“I think it’s incredibly important to make sure that we continue to let our kids know that it’s okay to be who they are and they should be proud and stand proud wherever they are, wherever they stand,” Cimarosti said in an interview with Buffalo’s Fire.

Throughout the event, sounds from a drum group filled the auditorium. They sang the Lakota Four Directions song, which looks at life from each direction. Some of the speakers at the ceremony also sang for the students as they began their next phase of life.

“I just want kids to know that they’re supported no matter what it is that they choose to do,” said Cimarosti. “Success comes in all shapes and sizes and it comes in your heart most of all, and that’s what’s important. If that’s taking care of children, becoming a nurse or a welder to make sure things are built well –– there are all different sorts of ways that our kids can be successful and I want them to know that all of those are valid and we’re all equal, we’re all one, we’re all related.”

Toward the end of the event, students lined up in the cafeteria to greet friends and family. Wrapped in star quilts and other regalia, students embraced loved ones and came together for a meal.

Sourcing & Methodology Statement:

Protecting native students’ rights at graduation. Native American Rights Fund. (n.d.). https://narf.org/cases/graduation/

Significance of the Eagle. St. Joseph’s Indian School. (n.d.). https://www.stjo.org/native-american-culture/important-animals/eagle-wanbli/

Wearing eagle feathers at graduation. Native American Rights Fund. (2024, April 26). https://narf.org/resources/graduation/

Dateline:

BISMARCK, N.D.