Dear (Insert Name or Names of Recipients)
In many Native American cultures, wearing eagle feathers or regalia are spiritually and culturally significant. People in Native cultures believe these feathers have a special connection with the Creator. They represent honesty, truth, strength, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom. The federal government has long recognized the importance of eagle feathers for Native American religious and spiritual beliefs. In Native American communities, individuals are honored with the gift of an eagle feather to mark an important accomplishment such as a graduation.
As a member of the (insert your tribe's name here) tribal nation, I am writing to notify you of my intent to exercise my federally protected religious right and cultural heritage to wear tribal regalia in this way on graduation day.
2. Share the legal reasons that Native Americans can possess and wear eagle feathers (federal law prohibits non -Natives from wearing eagle feathers).
I plan to participate in my cultural traditions while participating in your institution's graduation ceremony, as provided for in federal laws including:
• the U.S. Constitution Article I and Amendment XIV;
• the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993;
• and the 1994 White House Policy Considering Distribution of Eagle Feathers for Native American Religious Purposes.
3. If you attend a high school, college, or university in the following states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, IL, KS, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, SD, UT, WA), include the suggested following verbiage in a new paragraph:
Our state also offers Native Americans protections under state law in addition to federal protections.
4. Thank the officials for their support
Thank you for your support of my righ t to participate in my graduation in a cultural significant way, making this day one my family and I will never forget. Thank you also for your commitment to creating a positive environment and experience for m e and other Native Americans.
5. Request a written confirmation of your ability to wear your requested regalia in writing in a new paragraph:
I respectfully request a written confirmation that I may wear the eagle feather at graduation by XXX date ( insert date you would like to hear from the officials) so that my family and I may make the appropriate preparations to do so in a culturally and spiritually meani ng ful way.
6. In the very last paragraph, welcome a conversation and thank the officials.
My parents and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this if you have questions. Our goal is to ensure this event is a smooth and joyful one for all. You can reach me at (provide contact information). Thank you in advance for your assistance and time.
Respectfully,
Your Name, Your Tribal Affiliation