Bernheim Forest’s partnership with the Kentucky American Indian Resource and Community Center (KAIRCC) took a meaningful step forward during the Honor the Eagle Nation program at ColorFest on November 3. This collaboration represents a significant effort to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into Bernheim’s conservation and community engagement initiatives.

KAIRCC is dedicated to preserving Native traditions, advocating for Indigenous rights, and promoting community unity. The organization provides essential support to Native American families, helping them connect with resources in times of need, facilitating travel to reservations, and assisting newcomers, including military personnel and students, as they integrate into the community. In addition to direct services, KAIRCC celebrates Indigenous culture and fosters community well-being through events that strengthen the social fabric of the region while honoring Native heritage.
Looking ahead, Bernheim is excited to further explore the potential of this partnership with KAIRCC and encourages other environmental organizations to engage in this vital work.
It is essential to acknowledge that Kentucky, as we know it today, rests on the unceded territories of the Cherokee, Shawnee, Chickasaw, and Osage Peoples, among others who came before them. These Indigenous communities have called this land home since time immemorial, and their presence continues today. By honoring this history and the enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples, Bernheim deepens its commitment to equity, respect, and cultural heritage preservation.
The Honor the Eagle Nation program highlighted the cultural significance of the golden eagle to Indigenous Peoples across North and Central America. Elders and Knowledge Keepers shared their wisdom and traditions with ColorFest attendees, offering insights into the eagle’s role in Native culture. The program featured a public portion, with drumming, songs, and vibrant dances, and a private ceremony later in the day within the forest’s serene depths.

During the public portion, attendees witnessed a variety of dances, including jingle and fancy dances, performed by cultural stewards ranging from Elders to youth. Some dances even invited audience participation, creating a shared and enriching experience. The private ceremony provided a sacred space for Elders and Knowledge Keepers to honor the golden eagle and bless Athena as she returned to Bernheim.

Golden eagles hold profound spiritual and cultural significance across many Indigenous nations. Revered as “Thunderbirds” or messengers between the earth and the Creator, these majestic birds embody strength, wisdom, and a deep connection to the natural world. Their feathers, regarded as sacred gifts, carry spiritual power and are often used in ceremonies, dances, and regalia. Feathers from younger eagles, marked with unique white portions, hold special meanings and are highly valued.

These sacred feathers adorn headdresses, fans, and ceremonial items, each crafted with care to reflect the eagle’s spiritual essence and protective role within the community. Whether earned or gifted, eagle feathers symbolize acts of bravery, leadership, and significant milestones in Indigenous cultures.

Throughout the program, attendees gained deeper appreciation for these rich traditions. Dancers in regalia adorned with eagle feathers performed intricate movements as prayers to the Creator. These dances are more than performances—they are acts of spiritual communion that honor ancestors, wildlife, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The partnership between Bernheim and KAIRCC reflects a shared commitment to stewarding the land with respect for Indigenous knowledge and history. Bernheim extends heartfelt gratitude to the Speed Art Museum for their generous honorarium contribution for Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and to Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill in Shepherdsville for providing a delicious meal to all participants. This support acknowledges the invaluable teachings and spiritual guidance shared during the event.
As Bernheim continues to build this relationship with KAIRCC, we remain dedicated to honoring reciprocity in our engagements with Indigenous partners, including providing honorariums to Elders and Knowledge Keepers. By integrating Indigenous cultural insights into our conservation efforts, Bernheim aspires to cultivate a deeper understanding of the golden eagle’s ecological and spiritual significance, fostering meaningful connections between people and the forest.