In Cheyenne, Wyoming today there is much celebration among the Northern Arapaho Indians and former Vice President Dick Cheney who is from the same area and was once a Wyoming Representative in the US House of Representatives.
The US Fish & Wildlife has agreed that the Arapaho tribe can practice their native American tradition that involves the killing of two bald eagles and using their feathers in a religious ceremony.
Henry Spoonburger who is head of the local group told reporters that this is a clear victory for his tribe and that it would not harm the overall population of the bald eagles.
"We take care all year long to help protect these beautiful birds. They are as important to us as the animal rights groups. This is an ancient ceremony and I wish to thank the U.S Fish and Wildlife group for giving us this opportunity."
Bertha Golfmulligan, president of the Rising Star Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based Native American Indian rights group, notes that only a few tribes still practice ceremonies that require them to kill eagles.
Oddly enough, Ms. Golfmulligan was the spokesperson for the opposition to the Dick Cheney request.
"I hated to agree with Mr. Cheney but you know how Cheyenne and most political groups work. The requests were tied together and we needed to get this passed before the proper time for the ceremony. We can work on this other agreement later."
Meanwhile, a very thrilled Dick Cheney stated that, "If they get to kill two precious bald eagles, then I should have the right to non-fatally shoot two politicians in the face."
