Native American students should be given the right to wear an eagle feather, beaded stole or even a beaded cap to the ceremony to mark their academic achievement as a way of showing honor, pride and heritage.

Allow us to represent and honor our culture and spirituality. Do not look at our Eagle feathers or beaded regalia as a decoration or distraction. We experience so many comments from ignorant peers and it is our right to express our heritage.

I started this petition because...
My school recently had a Disney themed spirit week and one of these days was America day with the princess being Pocahontas. I am a young woman who is proud of my family background and dna. So I came to school with my regalia ready to enjoy my day, but that was later ruined when a staff member told me that wasn’t American enough. I later moved on throughout my school day and a young man approached me during lunch and asked me a very unsettling question. “Did you kill any deer today or send a smoke signal?”. I didn’t falter I ignored him and told administration. I would love to walk across stage and show people that I come from a group of people who are educated and will become future leaders. So please give us the chance to represent and express our heritage even if we can just wear an eagle feather it will be appreciated.