IV 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 83 
Expressing the Sense of Congress that the Eagle Staff shall be recognized 
as the first flag of the sovereign Native American tribal nations and 
the first flag of the Americas, and to encourage programs promoting 
the cultural significance of the Eagle Staff. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 28, 2019 
Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Natural Resources 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing the Sense of Congress that the Eagle Staff shall 
be recognized as the first flag of the sovereign Native 
American tribal nations and the first flag of the Amer-
icas, and to encourage programs promoting the cultural 
significance of the Eagle Staff. 
Whereas the Eagle Staff, considered the first flag of the 
Americas, represents the stature and honor of a par-
ticular Native American tribe or tribes; it commonly looks 
like a shepherd’s staff, wrapped in either otter skin or 
buffalo skin, and featuring eagle feathers; pre-dating col-
onization, the Eagle Staff was the indicator of the tribe’s 
accomplishments in battle and the integrity and honor of 
its people; today, it is used to represent tribal commu-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:49 Jan 30, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR83.IH
HR83
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with BILLS
•HRES 83 IH 
nities, Native American and First Nation organizations, 
or a member of an honor society or a service veteran; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff represents tribal sovereignty, unity, 
and tradition, and reflects the honor bestowed upon the 
individual, tribal organization, or tribal elder, the Eagle 
Staff is typically carried by Native American veterans of 
the United States Armed Forces; Native Americans have 
served in greater numbers per capita than any other eth-
nicity across all branches of the military; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is a proud legacy of the Native 
American people, it is the embodiment of the warrior of 
enduring fortitude which together have enabled the tribes 
to survive policies intended to extinguish their race and 
culture; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is adorned with eagle feathers sym-
bolizing the remembrance of fallen warriors; because ea-
gles and eagle features are highly revered and federally 
protected, only a few Federal agencies and enrolled Na-
tive people may carry them; the eagle feather is the high-
est award that can be given by a tribe to its people; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is recognized by all Native American 
Tribes, First Nations, and other Native American organi-
zations, the Eagle Staff is welcomed into all communities, 
including Native American and First Nation commu-
nities, with a flag song or victory song; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is formally recognized by all 
branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Cana-
dian Department of National Defence; 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is recognized and honored by the 
national Congress of American Indians; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:49 Jan 30, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR83.IH
HR83
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with BILLS
•HRES 83 IH 
Whereas the Eagle Staff is recognized by the Trickster Art 
Gallery, a Native American art gallery and museum in 
Schaumburg, Illinois: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep-
resentatives that— 
(1) we recognize the Eagle Staff as the first 
flag of the sovereign Native American tribal nations 
and the First Nations; 
(2) we renew our commitment to cooperate with 
tribes, intergovernmental tribes, and Native Amer-
ican organizations, including Native American Vet-
erans organizations to encourage programs pro-
moting cultural education of the significance of the 
Eagle Staff; and 
(3) the United States is committed to inclusive-
ness for all Native Americans, the traditions and 
symbolism of the Eagle Staff, and that we encourage 
all units of the United States Government to incor-
porate these principles into their policies and prac-
tices. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
23:49 Jan 30, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\HR83.IH
HR83
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with BILLS