Native American students across the nation had trouble getting permission to wear eagle feathers and regalia at their graduation ceremonies this year.

A Maori woman in New York City needed the help of her tribe, the New Zealand government, the United States government and a U.S. Senator in order to wear a special robe for her commencement exercises.

Sarah L. Smith, a graduate of Hunter College, sought permission from her Ngati Kuri Tribe to wear a cloak made of the feathers of three important birds -- the kiwi, symbolizing stability; the kuaka, representing the return home; and the New Zealand pigeon. The New Zealand government approved the use of the feathers.

But her parents had trouble bringing the cloak to the U.S. Customs agents refused to allow it into the country until Sen. Charles Schumer (D-New York) and others intervened.

Get the Story:
She and Her Graduation Robe Had to Come a Long Way (The New York Times 6/2)
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Related Stories:
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Native students can wear feathers for graduation (5/25)
No decision yet on eagle feathers for graduation (5/24)
Native high school grads want to wear eagle feathers (5/23)
Native high school graduates can wear regalia (5/18)