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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 24, 2010

Bald Eagle nest relocated to Bois Forte Heritage Center to be dedicated June 1 

Officials to bring eagle and explain its significance to nation, Native Americans

TOWER, MINN. – A respectful response to a delicate situation will come full circle on June 1, when a relocated Bald Eagle nest will be dedicated at the Bois Forte Heritage Center.

It all began when ArcelorMittal Minorca, a mining facility in Virginia, identified the eagle’s nest in a large poplar tree in an area that would be affected by an upcoming expansion at the site. The expansion required an adjustment to two existing dikes, which would raise the overall water level and have an effect on the tree housing the eagle’s nest.

The 5’ by 6’ nest, classified as a first-year roosting site, was of great interest to Bois Forte. Native Americans have long revered the Bald Eagle, a symbol of majesty, wisdom, freedom and strength. According to traditional Native beliefs, the Creator designated the eagle as the leader of all birds, the master of the sky, flying higher and seeing better.

As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ArcelorMittal Minorca representatives met to determine a safe future for the nest, they consulted Bois Forte Elders and spiritual advisors. As a group they decided to relocate the nest to the Bois Forte Heritage Center grounds, which was deemed a suitable environment. It was attached to a poplar post equal in circumference to the original tree.

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The relocation provided a valuable education at every turn. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciated the chance to test the efficacy of nest relocation as a migration tool. Furthermore, the entire nest removal, transportation and relocation process was video taped for future study and documentation. And now the nest is incorporated into educational programs at the Bois Forte Heritage Center, said Executive Director Rose Berens, a Band member. “It allows us to teach our children and our guests about the sanctity of the eagle,” Berens said. “It’s a concrete way to demonstrate our cultural traditions and spirituality.” 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife department is equally positive. “This project has created, and will continue to create, a partnership of mutual understanding and cooperation between a representative of the mining industry and a federally recognized tribe,” its documentation noted. “The tangible and intangible benefits derived from this project are immeasurable.”

The fruits of that cooperation will be celebrated on June 1, when the nest is dedicated. The eagle’s rich symbolism and double meaning to the nation and to Native Americans will be addressed. A representative of the National Eagle Institute in Wabasha will bring an eagle and present a short program on their significance to the country, and a Tribal Elder will speak about their meaning to Native Americans.

Guests will include representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife department, ArcelorMittal Minorca, and Tribal Council leaders. Bois Forte will lead a traditional ceremony. Light refreshments will be served.

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