Bill Text: CA SCR121 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered

California Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Eagle Staff.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 54-22-1)

Status: (Passed) 2018-08-10 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 131, Statutes of 2018. [SCR121 Detail]

Download: California-2017-SCR121-Chaptered.html

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 121

CHAPTER 131

Relative to the Eagle Staff.

[ Filed with Secretary of State August 10, 2018. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SCR 121, Anderson. Eagle Staff.

This measure would recognize the history and significance of the Eagle Staff to Native American tribes. The measure would express the Legislature’s commitment to inclusiveness for all Native Americans and respect for the traditions and symbolism of the Eagle Staff and would urge state government departments to incorporate these principles into their policies and practices.

Fiscal Committee: NO

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff, considered the first flag of the Americas, represents the stature and honor of a particular Native American tribe or tribes. It commonly looks like a shepherd’s staff, wrapped in either otter skin or buffalo skin, and featuring eagle feathers; and

WHEREAS, Predating colonization, the Eagle Staff was the indicator of a tribe’s accomplishments in battle and the integrity and honor of its people; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Eagle Staff is used to represent tribal communities, Native American and First Nations organizations, or a member of an honor society or a service veteran; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff represents tribal sovereignty, unity, and tradition, and reflects the honor bestowed upon an individual, tribal organization, or tribal elder; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is typically carried by Native American veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Native Americans have served in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnicity across all branches of the military; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is a proud legacy of the Native American people. It is the embodiment of the warrior and of enduring fortitude, which together have enabled Native American tribes to survive policies intended to extinguish their race and culture; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is adorned with eagle feathers symbolizing the remembrance of fallen warriors. Because eagles and eagle feathers are highly revered and federally protected, only a few federal agencies and enrolled native people may carry them. The eagle feather is the highest award that can be given by a tribe to its people; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is recognized by all Native American tribes, First Nations, and other Native American organizations. The Eagle Staff is welcomed into all communities, including Native American and First Nations communities, with a flag song or victory song and is always presented ahead of any other flag; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is formally recognized by all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Department of National Defence; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is recognized and honored by the National Congress of American Indians; and

WHEREAS, The Eagle Staff is recognized by the Trickster Art Gallery, a Native American art gallery and museum in Schaumburg, Illinois; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the Eagle Staff as the first flag of the sovereign Native American tribal nations and the First Nations; and be it further

Resolved, That we renew our commitment to cooperate with tribes, intergovernmental tribes, and Native American organizations, including Native American veterans organizations, to encourage programs promoting cultural education of the significance of the Eagle Staff; and be it further

Resolved, That the State of California is committed to inclusiveness for all Native Americans, the traditions and symbolism of the Eagle Staff, and we encourage all California state government departments to incorporate these principles into their policies and practices; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.