with Robert Mesta

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87224637244?pwd=byW8rG8A3oqMBpwEgaFtuvx9cWrD6w.1

Meeting ID: 872 2463 7244
Passcode: 863945

American Indians have always held a unique bond with animals, which has profoundly influenced their belief systems, worship, and cultural practices. The use of animal parts, particularly feathers, is integral to their traditions. However, 20th-century laws and societal changes threatened this connection, leading to declines in both Native cultures and bird populations. Robert Mesta will discuss this important issue and how Liberty Wildlife is working to provide Native Americans legal access to feathers while conserving bird species for future generations.

Robert Mesta, is a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) ornithologist with extensive experience protecting endangered birds. He led the reintroduction of captive-bred California Condors to the wild in 1992 and contributed to the recovery of the Bald Eagle, down-listing it from endangered to threatened in 1995. Currently, he oversees the Liberty Wildlife Non-Eagle Feather Repository Program, partnering with the USFS to distribute non-eagle feathers to Native Americans for ceremonial use.