When meetings are held, a ceremonial FEATHER - often from an Eagle - is held in the hands of the speaker. It is the "Talking Feather" and signifies that the person who holds it has the floor. It is their time to speak..

No one can interrupt, it is not allowed.

When the feather passes to the next person, it is their time.

It can go in a circle, or be handed across the circle and or back, if it is needed to.

But who holds the "TALKING FEATHER" is the one allowed to speak.

It is helpful at times, to organise meetings. Many would over run others thinking what they had to say could be put in anywhere - and overtake the group. Or perhaps their opinion is better in some way than everyone elses. The feather prevents this - it makes the group take one step at a time, so that one person does not flood it with things that do not serve everyone.

It gives everyone a chance to say what they think - uninterrupted....

Everyone has an equal chance to say what they feel.


It is a very old custom, unique. I think it is an excellent one.

PS: You can ask for it to be handed to you by reaching out your hands, but you must say nothing until it is given to you.
PPS: It is not finished until all who are there have held the feather, and said what they wanted to - or just passed it on, and no one else reaches out to hold it.

 

That talkin feather is something I wish I had known about and used when I was a Cub Scout den leader.....very good

 

I was a cub scout leader and knew about the feather.. Didn't use it much though..

 

Oh I wouldnt have really used it ,I would have kept the feather in my hand all the time...LOL My wife was busy calling parents tonight because of students who talked too much.maybe she needs to learn of the "GREAT TALKING FEATHER MEDICINE"

 

The Natives up here do that Wolfie. At council meetings and even road side debates. And are the only people to have an Eagle feather In there possession. As an added Thought the Raven clan use a Raven feather. Wonder what the Clans that are into whales do?

 

We use a "speaking staff" for our gatherings instead of a feather. Same idea.

 

In most places the one holding the GAVEL can talk anytime.

 

A hand gun will always give ya the floor. One way or anouther.

 

That's easy. they use a whale feather...

I've heard of the talking feather before but never used it. Sounds like a really good idea for marriage counselors.

 

They don't hold anything ..they sit there and blubber to each other.

Blubbering fools