On May 1, the Escambia Academy Board of Directors voted no to a request that would have allowed graduating Native American seniors attending the academy to wear eagle feathers during the ceremony. Several seniors, parents, tribal members, and even tribal council representatives had requested repeatedly to be placed on the agenda to share the significance and purpose behind honoring tribal youth with a feather to be worn for graduation. In the end, no tribal representation was welcomed to present the information, and the request fell on unconcerned ears.

Long ago, and still a tradition today, we honor our people’s achievements with feathers. They represent commitment, hard work, and pride in tribal heritage. The eagle feather is sometimes seen as a religious object because it comes from the bird that flies the highest and therefore closest to God. While the school officials and board may think this is a small matter, to many, it is a form of oppression and refusing children a portion of their rich heritage.