Protect Religious Freedom of Native American Indian State Recognized Tribes

RE: PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WITH EAGLE FEATHERS AND EAGLE PARTS FOR STATE RECOGNIZED TRIBES.

A petition to amend Title 50 Part 22.22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR 22.22), commonly called the "eagle feather law," and other federal wildlife laws so as to provide members of state recognized tribes access to eagle feathers and parts through the National Eagle Repository; to provide equal protection, access to and possession of eagle feathers and eagle parts for state recognized tribes as is provided for federal recognized tribes; and to change eagle permit applications, procedures, and eagle feathers and parts distribution in keeping with the same.

Eagle feathers are like the Bible, rosary, or crucifix to many Native Americans. Historical falsification of state records in what has been termed paper genocide has artificially decreased the true number of indigenous people in the U.S. and terminated the official existence of many tribes. For reasons such as these, many Native Americans cannot be found on the Dawes Rolls, not all Native Americans are able to prove their ethnicity, and many tribes are unable to win federal recognition. Consequently, many people lose rights, including access to eagle feathers and eagle parts necessary for traditional spiritual practices, otherwise protected for federally "recognized" tribes and their members. We believe the United States of America has a compelling interest to protect Native American cultures and religions and their customs, and that this includes protecting the right of members of state recognized tribes to acquire and possess raptors.

We respectfully request that you, our elected representative, act in accordance with the U.S. Constitution to make such amendments to federal laws immediately. We feel it is our patriotic duty to request such action from you in order to realize a truly free and democratic society.

More information available at: Religious Freedom with Raptors