About the feathers...

Does PTF sell feathers?

Pass The Feather wraps or beads any feathers to create smudge fans and arranges feathers to make Indigenous art and ceremonial pieces. This is a service, not a product.

Pass The Feather does not sell feathers as they are not ours to sell. For the cost of labour and materials such as leather and beads, Dawn shares feathers with those who understand their importance and wish to use them to connect with Creator. You can also request an undressed feather for only the cost of shipping - there is no monetary value for feathers.

All inquiries will have to understand the medicines that they're choosing. The guide below will help you understand what you need to carry.

How are our feathers obtained?

Dawn works with respected hunters across Ontario whose priority is to never waste any of the harvest. Previously, there was no where to donate the feathers leaving hunters no option but to throw them out. Pass The Feather sees the feathers as sacred and makes it a priority to collect, clean and use them in a way that thanks and respects the animal for it's sacrifice.

Pass The Feather also works with wildlife rehabilitation facilities that understand our Indigenous connection to birds. If a bird has been injured due to human interference (hit by car, window strikes, hydro lines, etc.) Dawn will do ceremony and remove the feathers to create sacred pieces that can be shared to educate and comfort our communities.

What feathers do we work with? 

Pass The Feather will work with any feathers that are native to Turtle Island. Should you have feathers in your possession that have been gifted to you, Pass The Feather will wrap or bead them for you. Pass The Feather does not sell the feathers but will dress them for your ceremonial purposes for the cost of materials and labour. 

Fees are based on value of materials used and time to bead or wrap. Average price for time is $40/hour. There is no monetary value to the feathers so when ordering, you may choose any bird medicine you need. If that medicine is available, Dawn will wrap them for you. 

Important Notice: All hand made products and services are temporarily 'out of stock'. My hands are resting and I will return to the medicines February 2025. Medicine is worth waiting for. Niawen'ko:wa, big thanks.

Bird Medicines | What medicine is right for you?

IMPORTANCE

With no water, no sun, no plants, no trees, no animals, no wind, no medicines, no stars, no moon, no food means there are no people. That is the reality.

The contribution of birds to a healthy and reciprocal ecosystem is vast and vital.

Seed dispersal, pollination, pest control, scavenging and waste removal, soil fertility, water filtration are a few examples. Birds are crucial for ecological balance, biodiversity, and the sustainability of all natural processes. Their interactions with other species and their environments make them indispensable beings in the web of life.

And they still have time to joyfully sing to us every single day.

Feathers have travelled to places that we cannot reach as mere people and are one of the most sacred items that can be given. A feather is a symbol from above that arrives unexpectedly and not without purpose.

CARE

Birds as our messengers do not part with their feathers unless there is good reason: a lesson to be taught, a message to be shared, a comfort to be given or a reminder that we need to improve upon our behaviour or ethics.

To possess a feather requires that you respect its significance. Keep a feather safe and clean, do not hide your feather in a closet, box or drawer, do not drop it on the ground. Your gift of a feather demands that you stay connected to it and the natural world – not forgetting that we rely on each other for survival and are all equal in insuring the health of the land.

To hold feathers is a gift and gifts should be reciprocated. If you have found a feather, please give back to say thank you. Put tobacco down.

ohenton-birds

Like all teachings, stories will vary between families, communities and generations. Your Grandmother's story may not be the same as another Grandmother's story. It is important to remember that while not all teachings come to us in the same way, the lesson to be learned should always remain consistent. These are my teachings and these are my stories.

When building a bundle, you are collecting your medicines in a way that is meaningful to your path or your challenges or mental/spiritual health. It's very specific - especially with bird medicines.

Consider what each bird brings to your bundle in order to pick the feathers. It is unwise to mix the medicines of more powerful birds like: hawk and owl, heron and hawk, etc. Ground birds and water birds can be combined with any other birds as they are either migratory and adaptable or local and grounded.

 

Keep scrolling down to learn the medicines offered by: Eagle, Owl, Goose, Vulture, Blue Jay, Ground Birds, Hawk and more.

 

Birds carry the wisdom to know when they are cold and they leave in search of a warm environment.

We humans are not so wise.

This little booklet gently helps you become familiar with Indigenous spirituality as it pertains to our bird medicines and how carrying those medicines can profoundly affect your wellbeing.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Á:kweks • Bald Eagle

spirituality | guidance | prayer

The Eagle is most revered of the birds as she is the highest flyer and can carry our messages to Creator; crossing between the spiritual and material worlds. The Eagle symbolizes insight, strength and spiritual wisdom and when soaring she can see farther then the scope of any other being. It is true that the eagle sees beyond what is in front of her and so carries much more insight. In her flight path, there is a different perspective and her teachings come from Creator's intent.

Eagle reminds us that our vision is often too limited to see simple solutions. We look to her for guidance and to prepare us for what is ahead. The Eagle teaches us to face the fear of the unknown and gifts us courage to fly as high as we can. Eagle feathers are only to be gifted to someone by an Elder who understands the spiritual power.

To buy or kill an Eagle for its feathers is a dire spiritual mistake and is highly illegal. If you are making regalia and desire Eagle feathers, replicas can be purchased.

Pass The Feather does not buy or sell Eagle feathers. Dawn will dress Eagle feathers and, with Elders, has been through carrying out ceremony with Eagles. This important ceremony is highly spiritual and very emotional.

Dawn is currently presenting an Eagle feather to Indigenous women whose children have committed suicide, Indigenous survivors of the Indian residential school system and survivors of the Sixties scoop Indian child apprehension programs. Eagles can't be sent by mail. If a ceremony calls for help, contact Dawn by email.

Interesting tidbits:

If you are in possession of an Eagle feather and want to cross the border into the U.S. from Canada you have to hold a status card. Visit https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032773/1100100032774

In Canada, Eagle feathers are repatriated to Status Indians for ceremony. Contact Ministry of Natural Resources for more information. Likewise, federally recognized 'Indians' in the U.S. may have access to Eagle feathers. Visit: https://www.fws.gov/faq/featherfaq.html

The photos below are collected from The Feather Atlas. For an amazing amount of information on bird feathers, please go to this link: https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water
Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water
Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water
Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Karhakonha • Hawk

guidance | focus | purpose

Second only to the Eagle, the Hawk is also a wise bird and also willing to carry our messages to the spirit world. The hawk is far sighted, focused and observant; she is the guardian.

When we see a hawk soaring above us, most of us pause to look; this is an example of how she can influence us and force us to reflect. When you see her, ask her for guidance. If you are struggling with a decision or find yourself in a predicament, look for her. She flies so high that she sees past the mountain that you find yourself facing. She already knows how you will get around it or over it - because she can see past it.

Hawks often show up when we need to pay closer attention to things going on around us – she awakens us from living in the moment to living with future purpose. She reminds us to be grateful and to fulfill our purposes, to evaluate the work we have done and see what is left to do.

Hawk feathers are to be revered and kept in a protected place – they are not to be taken lightly.

 

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Tsihstékeri • Owl

protection | communication | vision

The Owl’s medicine includes protection, wisdom, accuracy, insight and silence.

Humans must sleep and it is at that time that we are most vulnerable and in need of protection. The Owl is our night guardian that sees clearly in the darkest worlds.

She is often thought to have the capability of being a messenger that can travel between the worlds of the living and dead – bringing us wisdom to learn from our ancestors and alerting us to those that will soon pass. She teaches us to accept death as natural and prepares us to deal with that reality in calm and reflective ways.

Importantly, Owl reminds us that although we may find ourselves in dark and frightening places, that we are never alone. She brings us the gift us seeing what is beneath the surface and teaches us not to be deceived by appearance.

Finding an Owl feather is rare – perhaps because they sacrifice everything for our protection.

 

cardinals

Tsinekwenhtarha • Cardinals

vitality | stability

And then one day she spoke with the Cardinal. The Cardinal said, “I am the brightest bird in the north east and one of the few female song birds that sing to you - do you listen? Oh I have up to a dozen songs for you - more than the others. Creator gave me a sweet whistle so I could speak to you and remind you of the beauty in the world. 

Can you see me? Can you hear me?

I’m the teacher of inter-connectedness. You forget sometimes that you’re animals like us - dependant and reliant on things we take for granted like Sun, Water and Plants. You also consider yourselves superior and more powerful...but can you fly?

Oh I’m a fierce female and we girls protect our territory with aggression, but we also know when it is time for peace and gathering. We value community, family and love above all. We are affectionate; we feed each other seeds and exchange kisses. 

Unlike many other songbirds, we do not migrate - we stay with you through the storms and the cold. We will be by your side with sweet songs through the hard times and the easy times. Have you ever noticed that you’re  more likely to hear birds when you’re happy? Happiness is a sign of  deeper connection and connection comes from knowledge. If you feel like giving up or hiding, look for us - we will show you that it is possible for small things to survive and succeed in a big world. It is possible to sing when you think all of the songs have been sung and it is okay to write new songs when the old ones are lost. The ancestors hear all your voices and your songs.

We know you have survived much trauma but let us remind you of your origins of language and songs and of your survival and resilience. We will spread the seeds, you just need to grow. We are alive. Do you remember us?”

 

 

northern-cardinal

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Teriteri • Blue Jay

awareness | humility | honesty

The Blue Jay is a trickster and mimics other birds in order to distract them from their work. The Jay can be very noisy and attention seeking and even a bully – in groups they can even drive away hawks and owls.

This bird is meant to remind us of our personal power and how it should only be applied in an honourable way. Likewise, should you find a deceased Jay or his feather, it can be a signal that you are coming into a time of humility and honour and that your future movements should involve constructive action.

Finding a Blue Jay feather is common – perhaps that is because we need to be reminded of his lessons frequently.

*We do have any Blue Jay feathers at this time.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Skawerowane • Wild Turkey

land | family | loyalty

This bird is the keeper of our territories. The Wild Turkey is committed to raising it’s family for only one community and stays close by in case it is needed. These birds spend their time keeping the ground clean for our health, spreading seeds for our use and is ready and willing to sacrifice itself for our nourishment.

This is a selfless, large and protective bird that reminds us that we could not survive alone – that we need each other, our communities and our families to live happy and productive lives. The Wild Turkey is often visible but indeed hard to catch unless he knows that you need him to survive.

His feathers are dull from afar and he is not thought to be handsome - you will not appreciate his beauty until you can see him up close. This bird serves to remind us not to judge too quickly or by appearance and not to ignore those who appear unremarkable – for they are often the ones that bring us the most joy.

A feather from this bird should remind us to be generous and never judge another without looking very closely.

*We always have wild turkey feathers and share them widely.

 

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Raon Raon • Hummingbird

adaptation | ethic | balance

The tiniest of birds, this fast and happily humming little bird signifies endurance, energy, joyfulness, agility and loyalty. This bird has the ability to fly backwards and sideways; she can hover and stop dead mid flight. Her hum holds a message of contentment even though our work is never done and each year she navigates an arduous voyage, revisiting familiar places along the way.

The Hummer is an example of Creator’s expectations of us to work hard, remain happy, never give up and to move through life with the ability to adapt to change. This little one teaches us to how to hover in the moment appreciating the sweetness and how to always return home no matter how hard the trip may be.

A feather from a Hummingbird is rare and should be taken very seriously as a call to apply yourself and find your strength.

*We do not have any Hummingbird feathers.

hummingbird, roderick brewer, pass the feather

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

black-capped-chickadee

Tektsirere • Black Capped Chickadee

joy | playfulness | creativity

joy | playfulness | creativity

The happiest of the bird world with a call to all the people, “Hi Sweetie!” and “Chick-a-Dee!” When we hear her, it feels like she’s calling us directly and we can believe that to be true. She is a social star with a message from Creation to brighten our lives. She is the carrier of good news and playful songs. She calls us in and we are drawn to call back with a happy and reciprocal whistle. This little bird magically revitalizes our innate relationship with the natural world whether we’re ready or not. 

She is social and a breath of fresh air that almost always arrives when things seem difficult or extra busy. She brings joy and reminders to stay grounded and connected. She is light hearted and perky with no time for deceit, tricks or predation. With a small seed in your hand, she trusts you in minutes - she knows that she’s connected to us and she’s not afraid to fulfill her social duties for the human world.

Her tiny body is a reminder that size and visibility are not the measure of a person. She is often overlooked but she is every where, every day and yet we sometimes can’t see or hear her. There are a lot of people, plants and animals who move through the world in this subtle way; some long to be acknowledged and others prefer to remain unnoticed. This is also so in the bird world but Chickadees however, wants you to pay attention and if you can’t remember seeing one before, consider it a sign of self centred preoccupation and make a choice to lean deeper into appreciation and gratitude. Give her a whistle.

She is a keeper of creativity, makes us laugh by hanging upside down and is the holder of simplicity, cheer and good mind.

*We do have any Chickadee feathers.

 

BRD 3219--adult Black-capped Chickadee from Outagamie County, WI
loon

Tsyonya’tarènton • Loon

survival | devotion | inner child

Tsyonya’tarènton or Loon calls us with messages; we find her voice both gently comforting, somewhat mournful and slightly haunting. She stirs ancient memories in us and we stop everything to listen and reflect on voices of the past and recurring memories.

She is both solitary and deeply committed to family; teaching us loyalty, balance and reflection. She carries her children on her back to create a strong bond and safety during the learning process - and we learned to carry mossbags in cradleboards or tikinagan. Loon transitions from fresh water to salt water; her migration leads her o the ocean and adaptability of this kind speaks to our resistence and fear of leaving unfriendly or unkind environments - she is willing to give up comfort for a moment of joy.

She is elusive; easy to hear and hard to see. Her speckled feathers are ancient art and mimick sparkling water. She is a mysterious spirit of the forests and lakes. She transforms our definition of ‘wild’ with her beauty, tranquility, placidity and deep connection to the natural world. 

She lives up to 30 years in ponds and lakes and dives as deep as 13 feet. She swallows small fish under water or carries them up to her babies. Underwater she lowers her heart rate and can hold her breath 4 minutes. 

Loons cannot walk, her legs are at the very back of her body and although she mates and incubates her eggs on shores, Loons are very awkward and stay close to the water’s edge. They overcome their challenges by being agile swimmers and fast fliers. Migrating Loons fly at high speeds of over 113 km/hour (70 miles/hour). Loons will accidentally land in fields or on highways and if you see one stranded call a wildlife rescue group right away or they may die there. 

*We don't have Loon feathers.

 

 

 

 

BRD 3089--adult Common Loon in breeding plumage from St. Louis County, MN
robin

Tsihskoko • American Robin

adaptation | ethic | balance

“I am Tsihskó:ko. I am the teacher of all who were gifted with motherhood. Not everyone receives this gift of motherhood; if you have a child, it is because you needed to learn important lessons.

You see me everywhere, every day - I am all around you, all the time. 

When I was created, it was with you in mind, sisters. May I remind you that life here is not easy but if we do our job well, we will create generation upon generation of good mothers. When you were a girl, wasn’t I the first mother you ever saw nesting? Were my blue eggs the first you ever found? Were my little ones at eye level for you to study? I waited patiently for you to learn and watched you from afar - this is my job. Find me again. I’m right here teaching resilience commitment and unconditional love.

In a lifetime, you are gifted a child, sometimes 2 or more. I am gifted up to 8 at once. Often I lose some - they fall or become prey. Fate is a series of events over which we have no control. Fate is determined by our original purpose and when fate brings you pain, you must stop and consider what you are learning and what kind of work you were meant to do. Ask if you’re doing it well. Are you doing your best?

Sometimes our young are taken back to Spirit World; it is their fate. You see, they have already completed the work that was intended for them. They have taught you what you need to know and then they can return home. I am alive. I move. Do you remember me?”

 

AMRO_tail_male

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Karontaharoks • Woodpecker

awareness | humility | honesty

Woodpecker is the keeper of ethics, honour and community safety. Should humans work so hard for survival, we would certainly carry better principles.

While eating to survive, the holes woodpeckers make become safe homes for our cousins the owls, ducks, bats, martens and swifts. We teach that although we are all different, we must take care of each other - we are all connected.

If one animal gets sick, all become sick - humans included. We have learned that this year. When we stop being helpers, we are showing disrespect and with that, the world  will begin to crumble - as we see her doing now.

Her call is a deep, loud drumming and shrills - calling the attention of our ancestors and Creation and reminding

us of our heartbeat - our drums and ceremonies. 

She flies with swoops - up and down as if dancing in the treetops and playing in the leaves. If you watch her, she will teach you that hard work is as important as play and without balance, you are not healthy.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Só:rak • Mallard Duck

survival | devotion | inner child

Só:rak. Ducks define survival. The Mallard is the ancestor of all the ducks, the Grandmother. She is loyal, monogamous and she always comes home.

She is waterproof; equipped with oils that protect her from the cold - she does not freeze. She flies as well as she swims - fast like the Geese. Prepared for survival.

She is integral to human health. She is part of us - always sacrificing herself so that we do not starve. She is a mother to all, always taking care to keep the waters clean. She controls and balances the wetland ecosystem, eating mosquito larvae and invasive species. She spreads seeds and helps us to grow rice.

Ducks grow very old and like us, are devoted mothers. She chooses one make for life but he cannot sing - only females are given the gift of the song. She sings for all of us.

Being connected to Duck medicine indicates that you seek good health and value family and friendship. Ducks are social and eternally committed to our inner child. Hope, innocence and happiness are her goals - to a fault - sometimes Duck medicine means that we overlook our responsibilities in exchange for fun.

She teaches us to fly when we need to - to find a warmer place for our bodies and hearts but in the end, the water is always home. Responsibility and accountability is always the priority.

 

 

 

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Ohá:kwaront • Heron

sustainability | benevolence | moderation

Herons enjoy their own company and are loners – except during migration where they can travel in groups. They are graceful, quiet and thoughtful, follow their own rules, take only what is required and resist conformity. They are not flashy in colour and prefer to blend in and observe. They do not rely on others for security or strength, they do not cause a scene, they do not steal or create conflict.

The Heron is said to remind us to be self-reliant, to take only what you need and find balance in relationships.

One might also consider that the Heron teaches us moderation and reflection – she demonstrates that easy, small and frequent meals give us all the nourishment that we need and leaves us much time to stand quietly and gratefully.

A feather from the Heron should bring one peace and thoughtfulness.

 

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Kokwayen • Grouse

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Pheasant

land | family | loyalty

Like the Wild Turkey, the Grouse (Partridge) and Pheasants are keepers of our territories. They are also known to raise their families generation after generation on the same land. So, if you live on the land of your great grandparents, and you are hunters, your family is intertwined with the families of ground birds. You are made of them, your bodies are intwined.

We must be forever grateful to ground birds for our very existence.

Pheasants, like most members of the Grouse family, can make themselves dormant for long periods of time in extremely cold temperatures. Though not known to be fliers, these ground birds have extremely strong breast muscles and when flying is necessary, they will go straight up and can exceed 40mph.

They demonstrate selflessness and give themselves to us for food. They keep our grounds clean and spread seeds.

The feathers of these birds are detailed, colourful and gorgeous. Their beauty reminds us look closely - to take the time to see little things in life and to be grateful.

 

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Tsyowatstakawe • Gull

conservation | health | cleanliness

Seagulls get a really bad rap, don't they? While this gorgeous bird always lives near water, it is often found in urban settings where human waste is stored - namely garbage cans, dumps, etc. We think of her as dirty; a scavenger.

These are gorgeous birds and are stunningly white and clean, their light grey wings soft and delicate. Their tail feathers are long and white with stunning black tips.

This bird reminds us to always be conscious of just how much food we consume and waste. We are often forgetful of what polluters we are and we are rarely thankful to the creatures that clean up after us.

Have gratitude for these birds, revere them as our helpers and treat them with kindness. In holding their feathers you will learn not to assume they are dirty because of their surroundings but perhaps they're more beautiful because of it.

All living creatures were created with intent and given a purpose. This bird will teach you that your perceptions and realities can be very different. Be conscious not to reflect your opinion on others.

 

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

geese

Kahonk • Goose

health | prevention | equality

And then she spoke with the Goose. The Goose said,

       “I am Káhonk. I can fly as high as the Eagle. I sit in the      south and travel home to the north every spring. On my migration journeys, I guide and protect the other small birds that migrate underneath me. I am the caretaker of communities and teach you your first lesson from Sky World; the importance of cooperation, caregiving and equality. 

We are loyal and mate for life. We are the truth tellers and messengers of the seasons of labour. We call down to you in an unmistakable tone of authority to alert you to your duties; if you do not get your work done, your community will suffer.

Our migration teaches you that when your environment is unfriendly or cold, you should search for warmth and comfort; your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health depend on it. 

I will teach you to dance. Hold my wing feather up to the sky and feel how it draws the air. Your ancestors knew this and taught you dance with us. A wise Fancy Dancer will hold my feather up high in front of her because she knows it will elevate her into the clouds, spin her, lift her shawl and create the most beautiful celestial experience that she can imagine. Think of me, remember me and dance with me.

We, the Geese, move together in a unique ‘V’ formation and we share in leadership. We teach you that living thing has purpose, everyone is valuable and everyone should be treated equally. We never stop working together and we represent inter-dependance. We rely on each other’s strengths and honour the important responsibility to care for the weak and the old. We embrace both new people and familiar faces in the same loving and inclusive ways.

We know that way up in the sky there is a celestial world (Karonhiá:ke / Sky World) and this beautiful place is where we all originally came from. Every living thing that lives on Mother Earth now, once traveled a celestial journey as bright shooting stars. Never let go of your sparkle - that light you carry is your bundle from Karonhiá:ke.

CREATION STORY

In many of your Onkwehonwe (Original/First Nations), we play an important part in your Creation Story. For some it is about Swan and others is is Heron, nonetheless, every version of the story is important and it goes something like this... 

One day up in Karonhiá:ke, 

a pregnant woman named Atsi’tsaká:ion (Mature Flower) was exploring the Tree of Life fell through a hole at the base of the roots. 

She was falling and falling through the and she was terrified and alone! All she had brought with her was handfuls of seeds that she had grabbed from the tree and her precious unborn baby. 

At that time, Earth was only water and Atsi’tsaká:ion was in great danger. When we saw her falling we flew in below her, nestled her on top of our wings and lowered her safely onto a Turtle’s back. 

She told us all about her world Karonhiá:ke and how it existed on reciprocity and generously sustained all beings equally. Atsi’tsaká:ion knew she had to plant her seeds in order to create a new world that would provide food and medicine to all. 

So she asked all the animals to dive down to get her some dirt from the bottom of the ocean to put on the Turtle’s back. Each animal tried but it was too far and they were all unsuccessful except for little Anó:tien (Muskrat). Anó:ten broughtPass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water dirt up to Atsi’tsaká:ion and she placed it on Turtle’s back and began to dance on it. She moved in counter clockwise circles and sang her precious seed songs and the dirt multiplied and spread! She continued to gently shuffle her feet in the soft soil and Turtle grew and grew until there was enough land to become a home. On that Turtle Island is where she planted her seeds and gave birth to her daughter, Tako’skó:wa (Lynx, Tsikonsaseh).

We value resilience, like Atsi’tsaká:ion carried. 

To find a Goose feather is common – perhaps because we need to be reminded frequently that we are all equal and valuable.”

 

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

Pass The Feather, Dawn, Indigenous artist, artist, feathers, graphic design, web design, smudge feathers, IndigenARTSY, native american arts and crafts, moon time, moon water

Tsikaryèntak • Vulture

health | prevention | equality

You may think she is filthy and vile in appearance but she is an amazing scientific specimen and more importantly one of Creator's most beneficial and complicated creations.

This scavenger joins the ranks of the Eagle, the Hawk, the Falcons, Ospreys and Owls in their environmental importance as scavengers. Does it seem wrong to put them in the same classification of those reputable raptors? If it does, you may want to consider how you are looking at those around you. Are you dismissing or giving less credit to those that are not regal and beautiful?

This bird holds crucial importance to the cleanliness of our land and prevention of disease. They are environmental heros. Vultures are equipped with a digestive system that contains special acids that will dissolve anthrax, botulism, and cholera bacteria. By consuming the carcasses of diseased animals, vultures prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases such as rabies and anthrax among animals and humans.

A scavenger - a filthy bird? Just the opposite. As humans we are completely ignorant to the dangers that we have introduced to the environment. The vulture teaches us that everyone is vitally important and that we should not fall victim of societal pressure to judge people based on appearance or environment.

All members of society, no matter demographic factors, unusual actions or physical appearance, teach us perspective and respect.

 

N 1820--adult Turkey Vulture from Monroe County, FL

*We do not sell the feathers. When you order, we will wrap the feathers of your choice. The cost of the bundle is for materials (hide, leather ties, wooden beads) and labour only. Feathers are sacred and to be gifted - we want to share them with you. They are free with your order.

Great Links For Those Who Love the Science

Identifying Feathers

There are a few tools out there on the internet that will help you identify your feathers but I find 'The Feather Atlas' from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab most useful. Likewise, you can get loads of photos, information and bird sounds from 'All About Birds' - a magnificent page by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology.

If you have found a feather and want to identify it, 'The Feather Atlas' has a GREAT tool! Follow this link to identify your found feather.