GREAT FALLS – Great Falls College MSU Native American graduating students will receive an Eagle Feather at the Eagle Feather Ceremony on Saturday, May 4 at 11:00 am at the college.
This is the first time that Great Falls College MSU will hold an Eagle Feather Ceremony for Native American graduates. These students will carry their eagle feather with them at commencement later that day and keep their feather as a reminder of their accomplishment.
“The significance of receiving an eagle feather is one of the most powerful honors that an indigenous person can receive,” said Dugan Coburn, College Pathways Advisor. “Having the eagle feather as part of a commencement ceremony is a celebration of accomplishment.”
Each graduating Native American student will receive a blessed beaded Eagle Feather from an Elder. The meaning of the feather will be shared and the stories from the ceremony will be told. Smudging of recipients and feathers will occur. The ceremony will permit students to honor their American Indian heritage.
For several months, the Native American Enrichment Center has been hosting a weekly Eagle Feather Beading event in which GFC MSU students can learn to bead feathers.
“The feathers that students are helping to bead will be presented to our Native American graduates at the ceremony,” said Kathy Meier, Director of Disability Services. “It’s really neat to see other students come together to help celebrate and honor their fellow classmates.”
The Eagle Feather Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 4, at 11:00 am in South Court at GFC MSU before commencement at 4:00 pm.
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Taylor Alexander
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Phone: 406-771-4314
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