WANBLI WIYAKA (Won-blee Wee-yah-kah): EAGLE FEATHER
To the Lakota nation, the eagle represented as a messenger, the winged one who took our prayers and presented them to the creator. The Wanbli (eagle) is known as the one with the ability to fly the highest. With this thought in mind, an eagle feather is given in honor of each step (achievements) as an individual (two-legged) grows and develops throughout their life time.
When one is honored with an eagle feather, it is recognition of one’s achievement however, they also carry the responsibilities with it such as, respect for one’s self and all around being a role model for the younger, caring for the young, the elder & the less fortunate, Striving in the best way to live the values of the Lakota nation. Wisdom, generosity, fortitude and courage.
One either chooses or in some cases an elder (maybe a parent or other relative) will choose a person who displays the values and virtues of the Lakota to tie an eagle feather onto their hair in honor of an achievement.