Eagle Rescue on the St. Lawrence River

"Akweks," King of Birds are fighting for survival in Ahkwesahsne. In recent times on the St. Lawrence River, there have been sightings of about 3-4 Bald Eagles. They are viewed as protectors and sacred to the lives of Native and Aboriginal people. We need to pay attention to them and help them to survive so their population can grow again. In the early 1900's, there were thousands of akweks flying freely among the lands and waters of our people undisturbed. Recently, someone decided to foolishly try to kill one of the few remaining eagles.

A Juvenile Bald Eagle has been found and rescued by two young hunters in their boat as they followed the shores of the St. Lawrence River. At first, Iohatate and Tahahente thought they spotted a turkey along the water, helpless. As they drove to the bird, they realized it was an immature eagle unable to take flight because of a gunshot on his left wing. It looked as though the bird could have been there for a few days, as the wound was beginning to dry and crust. The eagle was very much in need of help and unable to fly. The two men brought the eagle to safety and warmth. It was clearly hungry and was given some fish to eat and ate it right up. How could anyone shoot such a precious bird? We teach our students and children not to hurt them but instead help them in return for the watchfulness they provide for our people.

Was it a person out to satisfy their own gain and selfishness? Who could consciously do this to such a revered and respected bird? We teach that hunting animals and birds are for feeding your family through the winter months, not to kill them for fun! That is not our way. Where is the respect?

It is a Juvenile Bald Eagle and it is beautiful. When you spot one, you receive such a special feeling to be a part of their existence. The wingspan of this eagle is about 2 1/2 - 3 feet. As they mature, their white feathers begin to thicken on their head and tail feathers. When they are full grown, the wingspan is about 8 feet and beautiful. The mates of the eagles are bonded and faithful to each other for life.

When this eagle was found, there was an eagle above crying the screech call and as well, followed the boat as the men brought it to shore and to the house.

There is strict protection of eagles and their nesting trees. The Bald Eagle is threatened with extinction and now in place are laws that prohibit killing, selling or possessing the eagles. With special privilege and permits, Native people are allowed to get the carcass of the bird for feathers for ceremonial purposes.

There are many agencies that provide laws of protection for eagles across the country.

Luckily, on Sunday afternoon after a few phone calls to get the eagle attended to, the founder of the Wildlife Refuge at the Adirondack Rehabilitation, Wendy Burke Hall, has agreed to take in "Tahahente"...He Leads The Way, to try to get him to be healthy again. The Veterinarian Dr. Eagle Feather on site will be testing the eagle for lead and the family was told that the eagle would have starved to death if he wasn't found. They began administering fluids and by the time they were leaving to come home from Paul Smiths, the eagle had begun to make sounds of recovery. The actions of this family was so needed to help the eagle regain his life. They explained that when the eagle becomes rehabilitated, "Tahahente" will be used in educational outdoor teachings in surrounding schools. Maybe someday he will be able to come home to visit us. Fortunately, he is alive and safe at his new home. Many thanks to the members of the family of the two young hunters who brought him to shore.

It is so sad to imagine that this young eagle could still be lying beside the freezing waters, hungry and near death due to the senseless act of the one who pulled that trigger.

A suggestion to the Environmental Programs in Ahkwesahsne is to create and build up protection in our areas for the Bald Eagles that have started to make their nests to start their families again in our area.