Gift of headdress to Pope draws condemnation from some First Nations people in Manitoba
After the Pope's apology in Maskwacis, Alta., Wilton Littlechild, honorary chief of Ermineskin First Nation, presented the pontiff with a headdress. The Pope wore the regalia over his traditional papal head covering until it was removed shortly after by a member of his staff.
Kevin Tacan, who works as a spiritual advisor for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, says he was disappointed when he saw the Pope was given a headdress. "People have started to say that the headdress doesn't mean anything anymore, that it's been tainted — tainted by politicians and people who just give it to anybody."Phil Fontaine, a residential school survivor who has served as both national chief of the Assembly of First Nations and grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said Littlechild followed protocols in requesting permission to present the headdress.
Dakota knowledge keeper and Elder Wanbdi Wakita said the type of feathered headdress given to the Pope is sacred, and originated with the Dakota. They are traditionally only made and given in specific circumstances. People have to earn each eagle feather by making notable contributions to the community, he said.
"A lot of those items have to be earned through ceremony, through commitment," said Paupanekis, who is an advocate for cultural reclamation and works with families through the First Nations Family Advocate's Office.
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