Tribal Regalia at Graduations

On April 9, 2025, the Office of Indian Education released the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families, designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to help families and students navigate the wearing of tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies. Additionally, a toolkit for Schools and School Boards will be released soon, which will include tailored information to assist educational institutions in upholding the statutory requirements of allowing tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies. Both toolkits have been created at the request of Arizona's tribal nations and Superintendent of Schools, Tom Horne. 

View Student & Families Toolkit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On April 20, 2021, Governor Ducey signed HB 2705 relating to the use of tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies.  

The following provisions from HB 2705 apply to all school districts and charter schools (A.R.S 15-348):

  • Prohibits school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies or any public school from preventing the following students from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies: 
    • Students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe; or 
    • Students who are eligible to be enrolled as members of a federally recognized Native American tribe. 
  • Defines “objects of cultural significance” and “traditional tribal regalia” to include an eagle feather or eagle plume.  

This legislation was passed and signed with an emergency measure, and the above provisions are effective April 20, 2021.  

The Arizona Department of Education is grateful for the work of former Representative Arlando Teller and his successor Representative Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, both of whom helped ensure the passage of HB 2705.  

Questions: [email protected]