National Eagle Repository Feather Request Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

National Eagle Repository Feather Request Form PDF Details

Eagles hold a sacred place in the traditions and ceremonies of Native American cultures, recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the establishment of the National Eagle Repository in the early 1970s. This facility exists to distribute eagle carcasses, parts, and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes for religious purposes. To access these materials, members must navigate a specific process, starting with an initial permit application accompanied by a Certificate of Enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe. The permit process has recently been streamlined to expedite the receipt of eagle parts and feathers, with a life-time permit issued by the Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office. Native Americans can order a wide array of eagle parts, from whole carcasses to loose feathers, adhering to the limitation that the quantity does not exceed what is found in one whole eagle. Demand remains high while supplies are limited, leading to variable waiting times based on the item requested. The Repository also facilitates requests from schools for graduation purposes, allowing Native American students to receive eagle feathers in honor of their achievements. This system underscores the balance between honoring Native American cultural practices and the conservation of eagles, reflecting an understanding of the profound significance these birds carry in many Native American communities.