Sacred Eagle Feather Stolen from Ashland Sculpture

A group speaks out about a sacred eagle feather taken from a sculpture in Downtown Ashland.

The sculpture was put up in downtown Ashland to commemorate the Native American tribes that used to live in the area.

Members of Red Earth Descendants discovered two feathers were taken from the sculpture Wednesday morning.

Sunday they held a gathering in downtown Ashland, to speak out, sing and pray for the one who took them.

They were marriage feathers Dan Wahpepah and his wife gave up to share with the community.

"The fact someone come by and take it I can't describe it a pain so close I don't know what to say about it," said Wahpepah.

Members of Red Earth Descendants gathered in front of the sculpture Sunday singing songs of prayer to say goodbye to the feathers that once meant unity.

The feathers, one on the hand of the woman, another in the man's headdress, were attached by copper wire to the 20-foot sculpture.

It was replaced by a pirate book, a garland of flowers and a marijuana joint.

It's the marijuana, they say they found the most offensive.

"We try to be pure and maintain that sense of sacredness as we always do, everyday, to have someone put the joint up there relates to show how drugs and alcohol can twist your mind," said Wahpepah.

They don't know why the feathers were taken and what those items meant.

"Maybe somewhere in their heart of hearts thought doing right thing," said Little Crow, a member of the group.

"He's asking for lessons, that's what he's doing affecting community with his need to know something we pray for his wellbeing," said Wahpepah.

For now they say, the sacrifice of the feathers, is the price they paid for education.

"We have to work together and come together and acknowledge our differences," Wahpepah.

They say the sacred feathers were irreplaceable and hope whoever took the feathers, will just return them.

The sculpture was dedicated on First Nations Day two years ago. Red Earth Descendants be holding several First Nations Day events on September 20 and 21.