Native American Soldier Receives Approval to Honor Heritage with Long Hair and Eagle Feather

Spec. Moses Brave Heart, a member of the South Dakota National Guard, has been awarded a religious accommodation that enables him to wear an eagle feather and grow his hair long, thereby expressing his Oglala Sioux ethnicity. Brave Heart, who was raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, has encountered difficulties in locating positive role models. She is now striving to serve as that figure for the younger generation.

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Brave Heart shared that a significant number of individuals believe that in order to achieve success and enhance their quality of life, it is necessary to abandon the reservation. "However, where are the role models for those who remain?" I aspire for young Native individuals to observe me and conclude, "If he can do it, I can do it too."

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Brave Heart aspired to a career in law enforcement after high school and saw military service as a viable option. He opted to enlist in the National Guard in order to maintain his proximity to his residence while simultaneously acquiring valuable experience. "You are eligible for benefits and may continue to volunteer for deployments," he clarified. "My ultimate objective is to return and demonstrate to other Native Americans that a fulfilling life is feasible."

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Brave Heart initiated his pursuit of the accommodation in October 2022 and was granted sanction in May 2023. Since that time, he has been growing his hair in accordance with his cultural traditions, thereby emphasizing his dedication to upholding his heritage and motivating his peers in his community.

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