JCC Great Room Friday, August 20th 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm $5 Fee (scholarships available) Presenter: Hannah Stafford and Tom Smith Pre-registration required. Your payment reserves your spot. Register by 10:00 pm on the Sunday before the program date. https://jacksonvillecommunitycenter.org/eventer/the-eagle-staff-and-ceremonial-traditions-in-native-communities-3/ Short Description The Eagle Staff has a long history in Native communities, signifying the spirit and pride of the people. It is believed that eagles communicate directly with the Creator. The Staff represents memories of veterans here and gone. Learn how the Eagle Staff, traditional ceremonies, and the sweat lodge are currently used in the healing process for veterans and juveniles. Long Description: The Eagle Staff tradition has been passed down through generations in Native communities . It is believed that eagles communicate directly with the Creator, making eagles themselves, their feathers and their images highly revered by Native people. The Staff signifies the spirit and pride of the people. Each of the elements of the Staff have important meaning. The feathers that make up the flag portion of the Staff represent an eagle’s wing, which protects war veterans. Learn about the Eagle Staff, traditional ceremonies and the sweat lodge, which are presently being used as part of the healing process for veterans and juveniles. About Hannah Stafford and Tom Smith: This session will be led by Tom Smith and Hannah Stafford. Tom is a respected Native American Elder, Cultural Interpreter, Storyteller and Traditional Craft Artisan who was the keeper of the Eagle Staff for many years. Hannah Stafford is the current holder of the Eagle Staff in our area. She is the Program Manager for the American Indian/Alaskan Native Program and Mental Health Counselor for veterans at the local VA. She is a graduate of SOU and a Coast Guard Veteran