Bird feathers play a central role in many aspects of life for Native Americans, and an Arizona-based nonprofit helps make sure tribal members have the feathers they need, regardless of where they are across the country.

In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked with Liberty Wildlife to establish a non-eagle feather repository — to accept, hold and distribute non-eagle feathers to Native Americans for ceremonial and religious practices.

Matt Kling/KJZZ

Feathers on display at Liberty Wildlife's feather conservatory in 2019.

So far, it’s sent out more than 5,500 feather orders to members representing more than 200 tribes nationwide. And, last year, a documentary called "The Weight of a Feather: The Liberty Wildlife Story" was released — further highlighting the group’s work. Fish and Wildlife also operates an eagle feather repository.

Robert Mesta is the director of the Liberty Wildlife Non-Eagle Feather Repository. The Show talked with him about how it works.

Matt Kling/KJZZ

Feathers on display at Liberty Wildlife's feather conservatory in 2019.

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