Judge Michelle Brass, overseeing a provincial court in the Estevan, Sask., region, observed individuals bringing their own eagle feathers to court. This practice emerged as the courthouse often only offered religious texts for witnesses to use when taking oaths before testifying. During an interview with CBC Saskatchewan, Brass recounted an incident where she had ceremonial items in her car, including sweetgrass and sage grass, realizing the unmet need for such items.
In response, Brass and her sister generously donated 14 eagle feathers to the provincial court system, enabling individuals to use them while taking oaths in court. This gesture aims to maintain the integrity of the oath principle while embracing inclusivity for all individuals, as highlighted by Brass, who hails from the Peepeekisis First Nation in the Treaty 4 territory of Saskatchewan.
The Brass family’s donation, made in honor of their late father, was facilitated by Bob Mills, the former chief of the Skidegate Band on Haida Gwaii, who provided the feathers to Brass’s sister, Cecile Brass. Notably, the Courts of Saskatchewan announced that each of the thirteen provincial court locations in Saskatchewan will now have an eagle feather available for individuals to hold or stand in front of while giving their oaths.
Judge Brass emphasized the significance of having an eagle feather readily accessible in court, noting that it positively impacts individuals’ willingness to use it and appreciate its presence. She explained the symbolic importance of eagle feathers, particularly for Saulteaux people like herself, representing a connection to higher truth and spirituality.
For Dorthea Swiftwolfe, the Auntie Advocate of the City of Saskatoon, the eagle feather symbolizes deep significance, motivating her work in advocating for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. She hopes that the introduction of eagle feathers in provincial courts will enhance inclusivity and recognition for Indigenous communities, extending beyond the physical representation of the feather.
Audrey Armstrong, the Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator of the City of Saskatoon, echoed the sentiment that while the inclusion of eagle feathers in courthouses is a positive step, more profound issues of reconciliation and systemic change persist. She emphasized the importance of representation within systems that historically marginalized Indigenous peoples, highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive reconciliation efforts.
Ultimately, the introduction of eagle feathers in Saskatchewan’s provincial courts signifies a step towards greater inclusivity and recognition of Indigenous traditions and values within the justice system.
