BP: Minnesota Education commissioner: Allow American Indian regalia at graduations

BEMIDJI—As graduation season gets underway, Minnesota's commissioner of education urged school districts to recognize American Indian students' ability to wear culturally significant regalia to their commencement ceremonies.

"I would like to share with you the opportunity to deepen your relationships with our sovereign tribal nations and their self-identified students by recognizing the ability of American Indian students to wear items of cultural and traditional significance, such as eagle feathers, beaded caps, tribal insignias and stoles, in commencement and recognition celebrations and ceremonies," Mary Cathryn Ricker, the Minnesota Department of Education commissioner, wrote in an April 22 letter to superintendents and other district leaders. "Please review your policies, connect with the sovereign tribal nations near you, and review with them ways to recognize and honor tribal traditions and practices. Many Minnesota districts also have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee that will be able to provide you with valuable insight regarding your policies."

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4607014-minnesota-education-commissioner-allow-american-indian-regalia-graduations