Ive heard that being a member of a Metis nation allows us to use eagle feathers in the practice of our religion. Is that true?
No, it is not true. Only members of U.S. federally recognized tribes are allowed to possess eagle feathers. We, too, have heard of Metis groups who are organized as a “church” and who say they have a right to possess eagle feathers for use in prayer as part of freedom of religion. This is NOT true. Although freedom of religion IS protected under the U.S. Constitution, that does not allow one to violate other laws set down by the federal government. For those of you who follow native religious beliefs, we remind you that our Creator hears all prayers and wild turkey feathers, among others, have been used as prayer fans for centuries.
