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| Photo: Wikipedia, bald eagle, native american, feather, national eagle repository, feathers, animal advocates |
Because of Jackie the Big Bear eagle's recent death people have been talking about what will happen to her body and the National Eagle Repository. Bald and Golden Eagles are federally protected animals uner the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. When they die their body goes to the National Eagle Repository. From there they are given out to Native Americans who sign up on a list to receive the body parts. These people then use the parts for their own religious ceremonies or use them in arts and crafts and sell the items. Most turn them into craft items to sell. People are very upset that Jackie could be turned into a mere craft item and we understand.
There are a few eagle parts craft people on Facebook who offer their eagle feather crafts for sale. It appears legal as stated below. They can be compensated for their crafting but not for the feather. Obviously one could buy the craft, removed the beading and just have the feather or feet or whatever part. This seems like a loophole to just sell eagle parts.
One Native American got some eagle feet and mounted them. A Facebook viewer asked if globes or goblets could be added on top of the feet. They said yes. The crafter said she does a little crafting, sells it then doesn't care what the buyer does with it. This really feels disrespectful to me. Imagine Jackie's feet used for a wine glass. This woman sells them online and at Flea Markets.
There's nothing we can do about this. We just didn't realize they could do a little crafting then sell the items to anyone. They just can't sell the raw feathers by themselves. Glue on one bead and it's a craft item. They charge over $100 per eagle feather sold as a craft item. People use it in ceremonies to fan sage smoke or put in hair pieces, dresses... Mexicans also used to do this 500 years years ago. Maybe Mexicans should be able to do the same? Wish we could find all of the Jackie craft items, buy them and bury them in a beautiful place near her nest in Big Bear instead.
Below is the federal law related to eagle parts.
"Federal Laws on Selling Eagle FeathersStrict Prohibition: Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, buying, selling, trading, or bartering eagle feathers is strictly illegal for everyone, including enrolled members of federally recognized tribes.
Severe Penalties: Violating these laws can result in heavy fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for a first offense, with subsequent violations classified as felonies.
Allowed and Prohibited TransfersWithin Tribes: Enrolled tribal members may give, loan, or exchange eagle feathers and parts with other members of federally recognized tribes without compensation.
To Craftspersons: Feathers can be provided to tribal craftspersons who are members of federally recognized tribes to fashion into ceremonial or religious objects, though the feathers themselves cannot be sold. A craftsperson may be compensated for their labor and time crafting the item, but not for the raw feathers.
To Non-Natives: Giving or transferring eagle feathers to non-Native Americans is strictly illegal.
How Feathers Are Legally ObtainedNational Eagle Repository: Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes can legally obtain eagle feathers and parts free of charge for religious and cultural purposes through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle Repository."
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