Monday Musings - May 18, 2026
I was recently blessed with a pair of Bald Eagle wings from the U.S. Eagle Repository (quick note: possession of eagle feathers is illegal EXCEPT for enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes). From an essential perspective, they were merely the wings left over from a dead bird - abundant collections of feathers and little more. However, to many people, many Native Americans generally, and to me very specifically, rather than being just amalgamations of simple proteins assembled into functional shapes and patterns, eagle feathers embody the life and spirit of hallowed beings. To receive an eagle feather is a great honor. To receive whole wings, I initially understood but learned with much greater depth, in order to see and smell and feel, to respect and treat, to ultimately share with others is an indescribable blessing.
I had never “processed” eagle wings before, so I consulted with friends and gathered what knowledge I could. I also recalled, of all things, my mother, my grandmother, and my aunts, and their lessons in preparing poultry for our consumption. The removal of the magnificently large primary and secondary wing feathers was pretty straightforward, but, man, eagle sinew is NO JOKE. With the right knife stroke and with some raw force, the big feathers were removed. After removing what flesh and sinew I could, I placed the quills of the large feathers in borax to dry what bits remained. I knew I wanted to retain the wing tips for fans, and it was identification and separation of the joint that really caused me to recall my mom - as I said, of all things…
After the process of “deconstructing” the wings, I was moved to take one feather a day to more fully clean the quill, to bless with sage, and to reflect and pray. I recovered almost 40 large feathers, so I am lucky to have the opportunity to complete that exercise for a while.
My soul has, amusingly, become obsessed with eagle feathers, but I appreciate that positive mania seizing me. I think about the freedom of the birds. I construct lenses seeing strength and courage and wisdom in the fabric of the remains of deceased birds. There is everything right with that, though, as we may, I believe, realize the best value of the grace and beauty that is undeniably inherent within the eagles and, by inspired extension, within all ourselves - all by considering the sensory and emotional presence of, arguably simple, feathers.
In my daily cleansing and prayer process, I have recalled those loved ones that have gone on. The eagle that grew the feathers I hold has gone on, but it lived the best life it could while it could. The lessons of my ancestors that once shared my life are ever present within my mind and memory, but moments of introspection, focused by actions like I have been employing, may focus those teachings - and the past love shared. To be able to feel the significance of my departed loved ones, to concentrate the depth and breadth of the love and wisdom of those gone, and to appreciate the value and importance of those here with me right now and our privileges we have to care and act is a genuinely consecrated gift.
Today, I took the first eagle feather with which I was ever given out of its cedar box home. Twenty four years ago, my friend, and a protector of traditional knowledge within my O’odham tribe, presented me with a Golden Eagle feather. In many tribes, the eagle feather is often given as recognition of great achievement. In our tribe, eagle feathers were traditionally also given in recognition of achievement, but rather than general accomplishment, it was acts of benefit to the whole community that were specifically meant to be honored. I received that feather knowing that tradition (but also reminded during the act of gifting), and I was humbled and honored. Today, I felt it was time to take that old feather and give it some time in the sun. She was always a bit rough, but I always felt peace and strength from her. Looking at her today, I felt age and experience - both with the feather and with me. I welcomed the sight and thoughts for, as I am fond of thinking, when I depart this plane, I want to know, and I would like it to be seen and known, that I lived.
I try, and will continue to endeavor to, as best I can, recall the past, and I hope to illuminate the present in order to see, with hope and grace, and with the blessings and wisdom of the our greater community, a better road for my feet tomorrow. I will walk this path as well and as long as I can. I know.
