The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 - (Page 17)

P r e s e r v i n g c u lt u r e & H e r i ta g e Viejas tribal Member rescues Eagle and Keeps tradition alive ince the earliest days of their ancestors, American Indians have long regarded the eagle as a sacred symbol. The majestic bird, with its wide wingspan and free-soaring glide, has represented many different beliefs within the American Indian culture. Some believe the eagle is considered to be a messenger of God that was given the honor of carrying the prayers of man between the World of Earth and the World of Spirit. Others believe the Creator chose the Eagle to be the leader…the Master of the Sky. The eagle has become a symbol of the American Indian and our country’s strength and freedom. The American bald eagle, once on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, is still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The golden eagle, also not on the endangered list, numbers only about 50 in San Diego County. Viejas tribal member Cameron Welch, who studied wildlife management at Humboldt State University, recently upheld the Kumeyaay’s tradition of honoring the eagle when he was called to help a golden eagle in distress on the Viejas reservation. “A tribal security officer called me and my father, Robert Welch, because he was aware I knew how to safely pick up the bird, both for my protection and the bird’s,” Cameron Welch said. “At first I was intimated because it was so big. But I knew it needed emergency treatment so I wrapped it in a blanket and placed it in a large dog run.” The eagle was taken to the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in La Mesa where it was treated for dehydration by veterinarian Todd Cecil. Once the bird was stable, it was transported to the Project Wildlife Center in Chula Vista. A follow up report from Lisa Culver, executive director of Project Wildlife, brought good news about the eagle’s condition. “After some life-saving treatments the female gained three pounds rather quickly,” Culver said. “We’re keeping her in a restricted cage but she’s already flying from perch to S perch, which is good. I expect her to be released into the wild upon her full recovery.” The sick bird is one of the nearly 50 golden eagles that Project Wildlife has tagged in San Diego County, and Culver was extremely pleased that someone who knew how to handle the bird was called to rescue it. “Thank goodness that Cameron has the background he does and knew what to do,” she said. “Few individuals know what they need to do when they cover the bird, and it’s so important not to stress the bird in the process.” Welch, who works at the Viejas Recreation Center, not only knew how to apprehend the eagle but its importance to his native tribe. “My father taught me when I was young how the American Indians believed the eagles sacrificed, and protected us,” Welch said. “I know the eagle is a symbol of pride, strength and honor to our people.” Even eagle feathers are treated with great respect. For example, in the both the United States and Canada, anyone who wants to possess an eagle feather must obtain a permit from official governmental conservation authorities. Native American Indians acquiring bald and golden eagle feathers must use them for traditional ceremonies or teaching purposes. American Indian tradition mandates that eagle feathers are never to be abused, shown disrespect, dropped or contaminated. Some tribes have strict consequences that must be followed if an eagle feather is dropped during any ceremony. At one time eagle feathers were used as rewards to Indian braves, warriors and chieftains for extreme acts of valor and bravery. Many dancers use the eagle feathers as part of their vibrant dance regalia. In pow wows across the nation, ceremonial costumes promote both the respect for, and the spiritual qualities of, the eagle, with their beautiful rainbow of colors. The Viejas Tribal Council would like to thank Cameron Welch for his brave and educated actions.  17 Winter 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 Contents Kumeyaay History Looking Back at the River of Tears Keeping the Borders Open for All Kumeyaay Tribal Security—Safety First Cultural Embrace Viejas Tribal Member Rescues Eagle Education for All Future in Their Hands Viejas Pow Wow Honors Native American Veterans Growing Traditions—Viejas Community Garden Remember When

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

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