The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is standing up for Native students’ rights by submitting testimony in support of New Mexico’s SB 163, a bill that would protect the right to wear Tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies.
For many Native students, graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a moment of deep cultural and spiritual significance. Items like eagle feathers and traditional clothing are powerful symbols of achievement, resilience, and identity. Yet, every year, some schools attempt to ban these expressions, forcing students to choose between celebrating their success and honoring their traditions.
New Mexico, home to 23 Tribal Nations, has a long history of forced assimilation in schools, including the lasting impacts of several New Mexico Indian boarding schools.” SB 163 helps ensure that Native students can celebrate their achievements in ways that honor their heritage.
NARF urges New Mexico lawmakers to pass this bill, joining 18 other states in protecting Native students’ rights. Read the letter that NARF submitted to the New Mexico Senate Indian Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee on February 11, 2025.
If you or someone you know is preparing to wear regalia at graduation, you can find a guide for students and families and information for schools on our website.
Learn more about our work protecting students’ rights at graduation.
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