Eagle Staff

Eagle Staff is a traditional Indigenous sacred item and flag.

In Anishinabek News

• September 2016: The PACT Nookimis Grandmothers bring this sacred item to all their events, including the International Bridge Walk on Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking.
• March 2018: The staff features a cedar centerpiece, a turtle stand, and a moose antler structure designed with the image of a young girl. It incorporates feathers provided by the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The item travels to various First Nations and was brought to Thunder Bay in 2018 for a traditional gathering.
• April 2018: A new staff was created to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys. The staff features a cedar stick carved by a member of the Madahbee family and a turtle base representing all nations and clans. It was designed based on a vision received by John Fox following the loss of his daughter.
• September 2018: John Bobiwash travels with two of these, one for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and a second Directional Staff. The staffs were kept in a medicine cave that was recently reclaimed for cultural purposes as of September 2018.
• January 2022: This specific staff was hand-carved by Gordon Waindubence.
• May 2024: The staff is carried by men or grandfathers to provide protection for the women and the water during the Water Walk. It is positioned on the outside of the procession to maintain balance and represent shared responsibilities.
• June 2026: At the 2026 Maamwi Kindaaswin pow wow, these were honored as the original flags and the first items to enter the circle during Grand Entry. The staffs are used by Indigenous people to identify themselves and signal their continued presence on their lands.