Lethbridge Police honoured to become a keeper of two eagle feathers

The Lethbridge Police Service is grateful to receive two eagle feathers that will be used for the swearing of oaths, ceremonies and during court testimony to honour Indigenous culture, traditions and beliefs. 

In Blackfoot and other Indigenous cultures the eagle is sacred, symbolizing courage, strength, wisdom and honour. Eagle feathers are believed to empower the holder to speak honestly and from the heart.

“We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the Indigenous community by providing policing services that are culturally informed and inclusive,” said Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh.

“Last year, our core values were translated into Blackfoot and a visual representation created by a local Blackfoot artist is proudly displayed in our atrium alongside our crest, welcoming all who enter. Incorporating eagle feathers within our Service marks another important milestone in the path to reconciliation.”

On Thursday morning the LPS tipi was set up in front of the station and Piikani Elder Morris Little Wolf led a private Pipe Ceremony to renew and restore the relationship between police and the Indigenous community. The ceremony also affirmed an agreement with LPS, entrusting the organization as a keeper of the eagle feathers.

Later in the day, a formal event was hosted for all LPS employees and invited guests to welcome the feathers so they can be used in a good way.

Little Wolf explained the eagle is the highest-flying bird and when someone holds a feather they are speaking through the eagle to the Creator. 

“The sacred eagle came and said to the people, call to me. I will take your requests to the Creator,” said Little Wolf. “When you see an eagle flying around, reach out to him.”

In the fall of 2024, Staff Sgt. Ashlin Snowdon brought forward a proposal outlining the need to incorporate eagle feathers into LPS to better serve Indigenous communities. After receiving unanimous support from the Executive team, Staff Sgt. Snowdon and Cst. Les Vonkeman, who was the Service’s Diversity Liaison Officer at the time, got to work. 

Vonkeman, who is now retired from LPS, gifted the Service with two eagle feathers. Next, local artisan Sharmayne Menicoche added traditional beading and Glenn Elgersma of Coulee View Woodcraft, created cedar boxes to store them. 

Over the past six months, Elder Little Wolf has worked with Trissly Blackwater, the LPS Community Engagement Support Liaison, to provide guidance and direction on the cultural protocols to incorporate the feathers into LPS operations. Consultations also took place with the Service’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Now, new police recruits, officers, witnesses and complainants have the option of swearing their oaths with an eagle feather in addition to other spiritual items aligned with various religious beliefs. The feathers can also be used for community ceremonies or as a spiritual symbol of strength and grounding for individuals being interviewed by police or those using the V/WSU office to remotely testify in court.