The School of Justice Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic has been gifted an Indigenous eagle feather that symbolizes trust, strength, wisdom, and freedom. The feather was originally gifted to instructor Gord Ryall by Lowell Yellowhorn and has now been given to the polytechnic. The Indigenous cultural adviser, Jordan Head, believes that the presence of the feather in the program courtroom will help students understand the challenges and difficulties Indigenous people have faced in the past and the role of the justice system in moving forward. The dean, Trudi Mason, sees this gift as a way to recognize and respect Indigenous students and their culture, emphasizing the importance of incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and learning into everyday practices at the polytechnic.
The eagle feather will be kept in the polytechnic courtroom and will be used similarly to a Bible or Qur’an when students swear an oath with it. Ryall, after receiving the gift from Yellowhorn, felt compelled to offer it for use in the courtroom to represent the same significance that exists in real courtrooms in Alberta for Indigenous people testifying on the witness stand. The decision to involve students at the polytechnic has been embraced by the Indigenous community, with Jordan Head expressing the significance of acknowledging and accepting their culture within the justice program. The feather will be available for use by all students, regardless of whether they are Indigenous or not, including Blood Tribe police members attending the Lethbridge Polytechnic police academy.
Ryall believes that the eagle feather is an essential element of the justice system, particularly for Indigenous people testifying in court. In real courtrooms, such as provincial courts and the Court of King’s Bench, an eagle feather is provided for them to swear on as an alternative to religious texts like the Bible or Qur’an. The presence of the eagle feather in the polytechnic courtroom will hold the same level of significance for Indigenous students and police cadets. The event where the feather was introduced also included a smudging and blessing to mark the occasion, further emphasizing its sacredness and importance within Indigenous culture.
The gift of the Indigenous eagle feather reflects a commitment to recognizing and respecting Indigenous culture and traditions within the academic setting at Lethbridge Polytechnic. By incorporating the feather into the program courtroom, students and staff are provided with a tangible symbol of trust, strength, wisdom, and freedom. This gesture also highlights the importance of incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and learning into daily practices, contributing to a more inclusive and culturally respectful educational environment. The involvement of the Indigenous community in welcoming the gift demonstrates the significance of acknowledging and accepting Indigenous culture within the justice program at the polytechnic.
Overall, the presence of the Indigenous eagle feather in the School of Justice Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic serves as a reminder of the historical challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and the role that the justice system plays in moving towards reconciliation and healing. By providing students with a physical representation of Indigenous values and beliefs, such as trust and wisdom, the feather helps to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding and respect among all members of the academic community. The decision to involve students of all backgrounds in the use of the feather demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity within the justice program, reflecting a broader goal of reconciliation and mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
