В судах Саскачевана введены ритуальные орлиные перья для присяги

A meaningful connection to Estevan is at the heart of a new initiative bringing eagle feathers into Saskatchewan Provincial Court locations. Fourteen eagle feathers have been gifted to the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan and are now available for people who are swearing or affirming to tell the truth while testifying. One feather will be kept at each of the Court's 13 permanent locations, including Estevan. The feathers can also be made available at circuit point locations by arrangement through the appropriate court office. The feathers were gifted by Cecile Brass, the sister of Provincial Court Judge Michelle Brass. Cecile received the feathers from Bob Mills, former chief of the Skidegate Band on Haida Gwaii. The gift was made in memory and honour of Cecile and Michelle's father, Gregory Brass, who died unexpectedly on Jan. 2, 2026. A family connection to the justice system In an interview with Discover Estevan, Cecile Brass explained that the idea grew out of conversations with her sister about the need for eagle feathers to be available in Saskatchewan courtrooms. She had previously gifted an eagle feather to Michelle, and the importance of making feathers available in the justice system became even clearer to the family following their father's death. Cecile said their father had a long connection to the justice system. He graduated from the second class of special constables with the RCMP in the 1970s and went on to work in areas including Indigenous policing, alternative justice measures, mediation and sentencing circles. "We grew up with our dad always being committed to changing things for the better for everyone," Cecile said. She said her father's approach was rooted in fairness, equity and improving society for everyone. "He was a man of action and was, and taught us to be of service," she said. Cecile said the family wanted to honour that legacy by putting the feathers into the hands of people working toward positive change within the justice system. Estevan connection The initiative also has a particularly strong connection to Estevan through Judge Michelle Brass. Brass was appointed to the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan in 2018 and initially served in Estevan. She was the first, First Nations woman appointed to the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan. She later moved to Regina Provincial Court in 2024. Cecile said Estevan was an important part of her sister's career. "Estevan was the place where she, learned how to be a judge as best she could," Cecile said. She added that the family remains proud of Michelle and the work she has done. What the eagle feather represents For people unfamiliar with the practice, Cecile explained that holding an eagle feather while speaking carries significant cultural meaning. She emphasized that teachings can vary between First Nations and that she was speaking from what she had been taught by her own family and elders. "When you're holding the eagle feather, and you're speaking, you must speak as truthfully as possible, what you know to be true," she said. She said the feather provides a reminder of the connection between people, the Creator, and something greater than themselves. "It's very grounding," she said. There is also an expectation that others allow the person holding the feather to speak without interruption. Cecile said that etiquette is particularly meaningful in a courtroom, where people are given an opportunity to provide testimony. "It's your time to speak and speak from your heart and speak truthfully," she said. The Saskatchewan Courts say a person who is swearing or affirming to tell the truth may hold an eagle feather or have it placed before them while testifying. Individuals may also bring their own eagle feather to court. Access to one of the court's feathers should be arranged in advance through the local court office. A gift rooted in family and place The feathers came to Cecile through Bob Mills, a former chief of the Skidegate Band on Haida Gwaii. Cecile said the connection has particular meaning because Haida Gwaii had been on her father's bucket list before he died. "The fact that these feathers are from Haida Gwaii, and we've given them in honour of our father and everything that he taught us about how to be change agents in the world and lead with your heart," she said. For Cecile, the timing and circumstances surrounding the gift have made the initiative feel especially significant. "It just somehow affirmed to us that we were doing the right thing and the timing was divine," she said. The Provincial Court formally announced the gift on Aug. 19, saying the feathers are part of its commitment to respect, accessibility and inclusion in the administration of justice. Chief Judge Shannon Metivier expressed gratitude to the Brass family and Mills, saying the Court recognizes the cultural importance of eagle feathers and is committed to ensuring they are treated with respect and care. Proud of Saskatchewan Cecile said she is proud to see the initiative happening in the province where she grew up. She acknowledged Saskatchewan's difficult history, including the racism she experienced growing up as a First Nations person, but said she also wants people to recognize the positive changes taking place. "Change happens, and when it happens in Saskatchewan, it's meaningful, and it's big, and it happens when it should," she said. She credited Chief Judge Metivier for being open to the initiative and said the process has been a positive one. "It's just been a really wonderful process," Cecile said. The 14 feathers are now part of Saskatchewan's Provincial Court system, giving people another culturally meaningful option when swearing or affirming to tell the truth in court. Related Stories: - Getting to the Brass Tax with Estevan's New Judge - Crime Statistics Of 2018 And New Board Members Appointed - New Judge to Fill Estevan Bench