Allow me to share in love and respectfully teach a very important lesson about the culture of my Ancestors and other American NDN tribes of that time. When many picture Native Americans, they see a stately chief, standing tall wearing a large feathered headdress. The headdress is a very important part of Native American culture. Typically made of beautiful bird feathers, it is more symbolic than anything else. But not everyone among the tribe could wear one, however. The Native American headdress was reserved for the most powerful and influential among the tribe. It is a little known fact that Native American headdresses were not made completely in one sitting. In fact, each time the chief, a warrior, or other important tribe member committed a brave act, a feather was added. Therefore, the more feathers in the headdress, the braver and sometimes much more ominous the wearer was. In certain tribes, the brave act itself was not enough. The warrior would have to provide himself by fasting for several days and meditating the entire time to show his steadfastness. This fact alone makes the significance of the Native American headdress very important. It is not to be worn lightly and never worn if it is not earned. Of all the feathers, the Golden Eagle feather was the most coveted and the most significant. If someone had one of these in their headdress, they received a great deal of reverence and respect from other members of the tribe.I see the Native American headdress as symbol of strength and bravery. Unfortunately, it is often worn by those who do not know or understand its sacred significance, Wearing a headdress was a real honor, and those who got the opportunity to wear one were revered and respected. It is for this very reason why I hesitate to wear the headdress given to me as a gift, because I know its sacredness and meaning, and I do not take either one lightly. So, within my Circles, I ask for this tradition to be honored out of respect, not for me, but for the North American Indian, who, for hundreds of years, have been misunderstood and stereotyped. Thank you.
Red Fox