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JULY 12, 2000

Ojibwe from both sides of the Canadian-US border held a protest on Tuesday, July 11, to draw attention to a US permit policy which prohibits Canadian natives from transporting eagle paraphernalia across the border.

Ojibwe from the Broken Head First Nation and Roseau River First Nation, both of Manitoba, and the Turtle Mountain of North Dakota held a peaceful protest in which US Customs officials allowed the Canadian Ojibwe to pass through the border checkpoint while carrying eagle items.

In September 1999, the US Fish and Wildlife in September implemented 50 CFR 22, a Code of Federal Regulations rule known as "Rule 22." Rule 22 allows members of federally recognized US tribes to obtain permits to transport eagle feathers and eagle items across the border.

But the protesters say it leaves out Canadian natives, many of whom freely travel to the US for powwows. Rule 22 has resulted in stricter border checks and the protesters say it violates their right to freedom of religion.

Get the Story:
Indians object to eagle permits (The Grand Forks Herald 7/12)
The Eagle Rule (Tribal Law 7/12)

Related Stories:
Man indicted for selling eagle feathers (Tribal Law 7/10)
Govt delays eagle decision (Enviro 7/6)
Hopi decision is sensitive (Enviro 7/5)
EDITORIAL: Unmasking Cultural Prejudice (The Talking Circle 12/99)

Relevant Links:
The Hopi Tribe of Arizona - www.hopi.nsn.us
From US Fish and Wildlife - President Clinton Announces Proposal to Remove Our National Symbol From Endangered Species List (US Fish and Wildlife July 1999)
US Fish and Wildlife - www.fws.gov
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 - laws.fws.gov/lawsdigest/baldegl.html