RCMP will be distributing eagle feathers to every detachment in Manitoba in an effort to provide a third option to the way legal oaths are sworn.

Currently, when someone provides a sworn statement to police they are given the option to swear on a bible or to affirm. By adding the affirm with eagle feather all three options can now be used when making a sworn statement that becomes evidence in a court of law.

Police officers will also be able to use the eagle feather when they swear information before the court.

The RCMP says that the eagle feather may be made available as a comfort to anyone who wishes when they are at one of the provincial detachments.

“For some, the eagle feather provides comfort and strength. By holding the eagle feather, they find the strength to talk, and are empowered to speak their truth,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, Commanding Officer of Manitoba RCMP. “This is what inspired us to bring the eagle feather into our day-to-day policing operations.”