Eagle feather law

Former NASA astronaut John Herrington, left, presents the Eagle Staff while Lt. Ken Vargas, right, presents the American flag during the presentation of colors at the opening ceremony of the 2009 American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Herrington is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and Vargas is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

In the United States, the eagle feather law provides many exceptions to federal wildlife laws regarding eagles and other migratory birds to enable Native Americans to continue their traditional, spiritual and cultural practices.

Under the current language of the eagle feather law, individuals of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers.

A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. Penalties increase substantially for additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony.[1]

  1. ^ [1] U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved: 01/10/22.