Bald Eagle Officially Recognized as U.S. National Bird
PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY, Minn. — In a proud moment for many Native Americans, bald eagle feathers are being awarded during ceremonies to celebrate achievements such as graduations. This reflects a deep cultural value, as the bald eagle is revered as a sacred messenger to the Creator.
This year holds special significance. The bald eagle has been declared the official bird of the United States, nearly 250 years after it first became a symbol of this great nation. Jim Thunder Hawk, a leader in Dakota culture, expressed a hopeful sentiment that this recognition might help unite a politically divided country by encouraging people to see the eagle with greater respect.
Minnesota, in particular, is known for its large population of bald eagles, second only to Alaska. The bill that designated the eagle as the national bird came from Minnesota’s Congressional delegation and acknowledges the eagle’s importance to Indigenous cultures and their spiritual lives. A replica of this bald eagle is proudly displayed at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota.
Tiffany Ploehn, who oversees the care of resident eagles at the center, noted how eagles are a common part of life for many Americans. “Everyone has some sort of connection,” she said.
Eagles: A Symbol of Strength and Resilience
Bald eagles have been a part of American symbolism since 1782, appearing on the Great Seal of the United States, currency, and military insignias. Yet, until now, they lacked official status while other animals like the bison had been recognized. Minnesota lawmakers worked to change this, and with the signing of the bill by President Joe Biden in December, the bald eagle now holds its rightful place.
These majestic birds symbolize strength and power, although most of their day is spent perched high in trees. They have an incredible ability to spot prey from great distances, making them skilled hunters. For many Native Americans, the eagle’s role goes beyond a mere symbol; it carries prayers to the Creator and is seen as a protector.
Sadie Erickson, part of the Ojibwe and Mdewakanton Sioux heritage, shared a story about her grandmother’s teachings regarding the eagle’s protective role. This deep respect is echoed in ceremonies when feathers are awarded, such as the one honoring high school graduates at Prairie Island.
During this celebration, Thunder Hawk offered a prayer in Dakota, reminding graduates to remember their roots. Family members tied feathers to the graduates, affirming their achievements and cultural heritage.
Graduates like Jayvionna Buck expressed the powerful significance of this moment. Seeing an eagle has always been a special experience for her family, and she remembers her mother’s excitement when spotting one.
Honoring Traditions and Facing Challenges
Many Indigenous cultures see harming an eagle as a serious offense, reflective of their deep reverence. Although there are programs in place that legally distribute eagle feathers to tribal members, backlogs remain a challenge. Illegal trafficking of feathers poses a growing threat.
In Minnesota, eagles often face dangers from human activities like road accidents and poisoning, mainly due to loss of habitat. The University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center treats many injured eagles each year, striving to rehabilitate them back into the wild.
This new official status for the eagle may help raise awareness about the ways human actions can inadvertently harm these birds. Simple actions, such as littering, can attract rodents and, consequently, eagles, which might fall victim to traffic.
Thunder Hawk emphasized the need for being more mindful and respectful toward nature, hoping that the bald eagle’s new designation will inspire Americans to hold the same reverence that he and his community have practiced for generations.
As new graduates celebrate their achievements and the symbolic importance of the eagle, there is a sense of optimism. Sadie Erickson noted how this recognition of the eagle reflects a united strength as a country, a sentiment that could inspire a collective movement toward a more harmonious coexistence with nature and each other.
