house used by the main character in Dances With Wolves, now located at Fort Hays Old West Town.
It is the ultimate symbol of freedom, leadership, and courage. Because it flies higher than any other bird, it is a sacred creature and a powerful messenger to the Creator. Eagles carry human prayers up to the spirit world and bring back blessings. Their sharp eyesight stands for truth, clarity, and the ability to see beyond the surface. Receiving an eagle feather is a profound mark of respect. This commemorative month provides a platform for Native people across the Americas to share their diverse traditions and concepts of life, which deeply enrich the character of our global culture. While acknowledging and remembering the painful past, we can enjoy a more peaceful present. We can welcome a brighter future for Native Americans and newer Americans alike. Together, we continue to build our great nations. "Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." - Chief Seattle, Duwamish
The entire journey was one-of-a-kind. I hold it among my most cherished memories, and I look forward to going back. Next time, I plan to buy a lot more souvenirs and at least another pair of moccasins! That same year, I visited the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. I bought a book on Indian folklore and mythology, loved reading every page, and learned a lot about indigenous cultures. Modern urban legends and truths also mention the ironworkers from the Mohawk Nation. More than a century ago, they gained legendary status for building New York City's most iconic high-rise structures. At a time when wearing safety gear was not mandatory, these native workers were noted for their incredible sense of balance, nerves of steel, and absence of fear of heights.
In 2025, I had the privilege of attending a traditional Powwow ceremony in Los Angeles.
It felt like an almost mystical experience. Aside from group chants and meditation, the colorful attires, traditional flute and drum music, and circle dances offered profound cultural immersion. The art and craft fair featured exquisite handmade objects—pottery, woven rugs, beadwork, quillwork, and basketry. This heritage belongs to the world now. Words like tatanka (buffalo) and wasichu (non-indigenous) are widely known, while words like moose, raccoon, and opossum are an integral part of the English language. US toponymy owes much to Native American words, including famous names like Chicago, Malibu, Manhattan, and Mississippi. Prominent actors like Russel Means, Graham Greene, Wes Studi, and Lily Gladstone have been outstanding promoters of their Native American cultures. Musicians blend pan- tribal Andean flutes with modern arrangements, popularizing traditional music of South America.
Yet, the tableau of Native American cultures would not be complete without the eagle.
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