With the annual return of high school graduation season, controversy around Native American regalia again seeps into news headlines. Throughout the years, schools have banned students from wearing cultural regalia, such as feathers and beaded caps, to commencement ceremonies. Recently, however, hope for a brighter, more inclusive future is springing into fruition.



Earlier this spring, North Dakota’s State Legislature signed House Bill 1335 into law, which allows students to wear “traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance” and bars school districts from prohibiting students wearing such items at graduation ceremonies. HB1335 was introduced and spearheaded by Rep. Ruth Buffalo, an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, and the first female Native American representing North Dakota in the state's Legislative Assembly. Only a few months into her term, Buffalo has introduced several Native American rights bills now signed into law.

There are about 40,000 Native people in North Dakota, making up a little more than 5 percent of the total population. Until the implementation of HB1335 in North Dakota, it was up to the school board of each district to decide what these students could wear to graduation ceremonies.

Graduation season serves as a reminder every year of the continued scrutiny given to Native American regalia. Despite progress in some states, there are still many areas in the country where students are banned from wearing regalia to graduation.