Winnipeg police now offering eagle feather to swear oaths

The Winnipeg Police Service is now allowing members of the public and police officers to swear legal oaths with an eagle feather.

Eagle feathers are regarded as sacred items by Indigenous peoples, and when a person holds them, they’re expected to speak honestly, truthfully and with integrity, the police service said.

The option to use an eagle feather to swear an oath — done when making a sworn statement to police, for example — will carry the same weight as swearing an oath on the Bible or making an affirmation.

“The WPS is honoured to be able to provide this culturally meaningful option, and we do so with deep respect for Indigenous traditions and the communities we serve,” the service said in a news release on Wednesday.

The police service was given eight eagle feathers with the guidance and support of elder Mike Caulder, in partnership with Manitoba Conservation officials.

The feathers were prepared according to traditional protocols and are beaded with the colours of the medicine wheel and four nations, police said. Women participating in the Indigenous traditional program at the Behavioural Health Foundation, an addiction treatment facility in St. Norbert, did the beadwork.

Since 2019, Manitoba courts have offered the option of eagle feathers  when swearing an oath before giving testimony.