An amended version of the tribal regalia bill is headed to a chamber floor.

 

House Bill 1252, which prohibits certain government entities from prohibiting any person from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at a school honoring or graduation ceremony, passed the Senate Education committee on a 7-0 vote.

 

The amended version of the bill now specifically defines tribal regalia as an eagle feather or eagle plume. Rep. Shawn Bordeaux, the bill’s prime sponsor, said men are honored with the eagle feather, which they wear on the right side of their head, and women are honored with the eagle plume, which they wear on the left side of their head.

 

ASBSD supports the bill with the amendment.

 

“I think we can understand that (definition) and accommodate the statute,” Pogany testified, he added his gratitude to the sponsors for adding the definition to the bill.

 

Rep. Bordeaux noted the bill will help all parties “go through the cultural process and learn.”

 

Sen. Troy Heinert cited the positive cultural significance of the eagle feather and plume being included in the ceremonies.

 

“As these children are taking that next step in life…that’s when we accept the eagle feather and plume,” Sen. Heinert said. “This is a chance for families to really celebrate and honor their child in a cultural way.”

 

HB 1252 now heads to the Senate floor for review and, if approved there, would return to the House for review.

 

For updates on the bill, check the ASBSD Blog, Bill Tracker page, Twitter feed and Facebook page.