In October of 2016, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe acquired a Federal Native American Eagle Aviary Permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to house eagles that have injuries that will prevent them from ever being released. This permit allows the Tribe to collect molted feathers and distribute them to Tribal members. It also allows the use of eagles for educational purposes related to wildlife conservation.
Janie Veltkamp from Birds of Prey Northwest is currently serving as the Primary Caretaker for the Tribe’s eagles. She has many years of experience working with a variety of different raptors, and is capable of handling and conducting the routine exams and maintenance that are required for these birds.
The Tribe moved the eagles from their housing at Birds of Prey Northwest to a new enclosure on Tribal property in November of 2018. Six eagles are currently housed there, that come from a variety of locations across the northwest.
The Eagles
Uwiwww – “Chatterbox” – Bald Eagle, Adult Female: This bird was hatched in 2019. She has injuries on both wings that prevent her from flying. She was transferred to the aviary on August 10, 2022.
Pa’naqhn – “Crooked Wing” – Bald Eagle, Adult Male: This bird was hatched in 2019. He has a left wing injury that re-healed improperly and left him unable to fly. He was found near Metaline Falls, Washington, and transferred to the aviary on August 10, 2022.
Taqhtaqh – “Pepper” – Bald Eagle, Adult Female: This bird was transferred to us as an immature bird from Birds of Prey Northwest on November 30, 2016. She was originally found in Idaho, and is unable to completely fly due to a wing injury.
Mqhwqin – “Snow on the Mountain” – Bald Eagle, Adult Female: This bird was picked up by Wildlife Staff near Garfield, Washington in 2015 and taken to Birds of Prey Northwest for rehabilitation. She had a lead pellet in her wing and will not be able to fly again due to the injury. She was transferred to us on November 30, 2016.
Qwamqwamt – “Beautiful” – Golden Eagle, Adult Male: This bird was transferred to us as an immature male from Wild Wings Raptor Rehabilitation in Sisters, Oregon on December 29, 2016. He is unable to fly due to a right wing injury.
Apply For Feathers
All applicants for eagle feathers from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe must meet the following requirements:
- Be an enrolled member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe possessing a valid Tribal ID
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
- Only have one pending feather request open at a time
- Have no violations against any Coeur d’Alene Tribal wildlife codes and/or federal laws
- Abide by all federal and Coeur d’Alene Tribal laws protecting Eagles
- Abide by all federal and Coeur d’Alene Tribal laws protecting Feather possession and distribution
Relevant Federal and Tribal laws include the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712), and the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Code Chapter 20: On-Reservation Hunting, Fishing and Trapping.
When requesting material, please keep in mind that these are individually shed feathers, and it is difficult to match feathers to an individual bird, or to complete a matching set of wing or tail feathers. Demand for feathers is high, and the supply is limited. The time needed to fill the requests will vary depending on the items chosen and the current inventory. Please specify whether you would like bald or golden eagle feathers, and the amount of feathers requested, up to five feathers.
Once completed, the applicant will bring the application to the Tribe’s Enrollment Department for verification of enrollment. The Enrollment Department will complete page two of the application, attach a copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Indian Blood, and return the completed form.
- Fill out the Eagle Feather Application Form
Further Learning
Check out the Birds of Prey Northwest website to learn more about eagles and other birds of prey!