Government to allow Indians to possess eagle feathers
Pete Yost, AP:
The Justice Department said Friday it is going to allow members of federally recognized Indian tribes to possess eagle feathers, …
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and other federal wildlife laws criminalize the killing of eagles, which are listed as either endangered or threatened, and possession of feathers and bird parts, but the Constitution and federal laws also give tribes local sovereignty for self-government.
Under the new Justice Department policy, tribal members will not be prosecuted for wearing or carrying federally protected birds, bird feathers or parts. They also may pick up feathers found in the wild as long as they do not disturb federally protected birds or nests. Giving, lending or trading feathers or bird parts among tribe members, without any other compensation, also will be allowed.
I’m sad that I wasn’t at all shocked to learn that this wasn’t allowed until now.