Eagle feather gifted to School of Justice Studies

By Lethbridge Herald on October 18, 2024.

Peter Weasel Moccasin, Blackfoot grandfather at Lethbridge Polytechnic, blesses the eagle feather which will be used in oaths from students in the justice programs, on Friday afternoon in the mock court room at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Herald photo by Alexandra Noad

Alexandra Noad – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The eagle feather is used in courtrooms across the province for Indigenous people to take their oaths and on Friday an eagle feather was gifted for that purpose to Lethbridge Polytechnic’s School of Justice Studies.

Peter Weasel Moccasin, Blackfoot grandfather for the polytechnic, spoke in a blessing ceremony about the significance of the eagle feather in Blackfoot culture.

“We use it for ceremonials, so that symbolic helps us understand this animal overcomes the challenges we face,” said Weasel Moccasin.

Jim Langston, retired Justice of Court Queens Bench, spoke on the significance of including eagle feathers in court rooms.

He said that for many Indigenous people the Bible is a symbol of oppression and violence brought by those who sought to take their culture away from them.

“They took the land, they took the children and they attempted desperately to take the culture,” said Langston.

Langston was given an eagle feather when he was sworn in as a judge. He says he brought it into the court room often, even when there were no Indigenous people present, because he found comfort in it.

The eagle feather for the polytechnic was gifted to Justice Studies instructor Gord Ryall by Lowell Yellowhorn, former Indigenous manager for Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Ryall says this feather was not only an opportunity for the polytechnic to simulate a real courtroom, but also teach both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students Indigenous culture.

“We are in the business of teaching and learning, so not only is this beneficial for Indigenous students can but non-Indigenous students can also learn about that cultural aspect as well,” said Ryall.

Ryall added that he hopes including the eagle feather will help entice Indigenous students to the institution.

“It’s the goal to be all encompassing for everybody. We want to embrace all cultures,” said Ryall.

Ryall was able to gift the eagle feather, along with a box with hide lining which had the polytechnic’s Indigenous logo laser engraved on it, to Trudy Mason, dean for the Centre for Justice and Human Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Mason says this incorporation of Indigenous culture is a significant act of reconciliation

“It’s another way for us to recognize our Indigenous students and their culture and help incorporate into our courtroom and into our classrooms,” said Mason.

Jordan Head, Indigenous cultural advisor for Lethbridge Polytechnic says while this is only the beginning, it is nice to see Blackfoot culture represented in the court.

“This is very significant for the Blackfoot people, for our culture to be acknowledged and accepted into the justice program,” said Head.

The eagle feather will be used for both the polytechnic’s School of Justice Studies and police cadet training programs.

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