Convocation ceremonies at Laurentian now include an eagle staff – CBC

Dec 09, 2024

The staffs are considered ‘sacred flags’ for many Indigenous communities

At the most recent convocation ceremony at Laurentian University in Sudbury, a dignitary held an eagle staff and led a procession of professors and new graduates through the auditorium.

The staff, made of willow branch, is adorned with a deer antler, an eagle feather and medallions that represent the seven grandfather teachings.

“Initially, eagle staffs were actually used as territorial demarcations,” said Dominic Beaudry, Laurentian’s associate vice-president of academic and Indigenous programs.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/laurentian-eagle-staff-1.7403880