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MAY 30, 2000

A set of eagle feathers confiscated by federal officials in 1996 were returned to Joseluis Saenz last week thanks to a legal precedent set by a US District Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico over the right of Indians to possess eagle feathers without the need for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Saenz is Southern Chiricahua Apache, the tribe who refused to submit to the authority of the United States in the late 1800s and are not federally recognized. The judge found that his right to practice his religion was denied because his lack of membership in a federally recognized tribe precludes him from applying for a permit, despite being an Indian.

The ruling was issued in March. Fish and Wildlife are appealing the decision in the 10th Circuit.

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Tribe's Eagle Feathers Returned (The Albuquerque Journal 5/30)