Understanding Tribal Regalia Protections at Graduation
Arizona Revised Statute §15-348 protects the right of Native American students to wear traditional tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance during graduation ceremonies. School districts and charter schools may not prohibit students who are members of, or eligible for enrollment in, a federally recognized tribe from wearing tribal regalia, including eagle feathers and eagle plumes. A.R.S. §15-348 became effective April 20, 2021.
The Toolkit Library provides resources for students, families, schools, districts, governing boards, and the education community to support successful graduation planning and implementation of Arizona's tribal regalia protections.
Resources for Students & Families
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.
View Student & Families Toolkit
Resources for School/District Administrators & Governing Boards
On April 17, 2025, the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for School/District Administrators and Governing Boards was released to provide additional guidance around procedures for the wearing of tribal regalia at graduation. Both toolkits have been created at the request of Arizona's tribal nations and Superintendent of Schools, Tom Horne.
View Administrators and Governing Boards Toolkit
Help your school community better understand tribal sovereignty, Native American student rights, and Arizona's Tribal Regalia Law. Explore our collection of free printables, including trifold brochures, one-page handouts, and classroom talking points designed to spark meaningful conversations and build awareness. Simply download, print, and share to help ensure everyone understands why Native American students have the right to wear tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance at graduation.
Take your learning to the next level with live webinars and on-demand training focused on tribal regalia at graduation. Explore practical strategies, legal guidance, and ready-to-use resources that help schools, families, and communities support Native American students preparing for graduation ceremonies. Learn at your own pace or connect with colleagues through interactive live sessions.
Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit Webinar Series
A Year of Preparation, A Day of Celebration: Planning for Tribal REGALIA AT GRADUATION
The Office of Indian Education is launching a Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit Webinar Series, a four-part professional learning opportunity designed to help schools, districts, and families support Native American students as they prepare for graduation. The series focuses on understanding tribal regalia protections, strengthening communication, and ensuring students can celebrate their achievements in accordance with Arizona law.
Participants will explore Arizona tribal regalia laws, school and family responsibilities, graduation planning strategies, and resources from the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit library. The webinars are scheduled throughout the school year, providing timely guidance from preparation in the Fall to reflection and future planning in the Spring.
TRGT 101: What You Need to Know About A.R.S. 15-348 & Arizona's Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkits
This webinar provides an overview of the Toolkits and best-practice recommendations, as well as guidance for training staff and volunteers on A.R.S. §15-348 prior to graduation. OIE offers this brief, easy-to-follow webinar at no cost to participants. Upon completion, attendees earn 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
Register for the course through ADE Connect and the Arizona Professional Learning & Development (APLD) platform.
| Create an ADE Connect account or access your existing account. These instructions provide step-by-step details and lead you to the APLD section required to register for the webinar. |
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Video - Arizona School Boards Association
What School Boards should know about tribal regalia at graduation. Under A.R.S. 15-348, school governing boards may not prohibit students who are members of, or eligible to be enrolled in, a federally recognized tribe from wearing tribal regalia or items of cultural significance, including eagle feathers, during graduation ceremonies. School board members play a crucial role in ensuring their district's policies and practices support both compliance and respect. The toolkit also underscores the importance of training staff and volunteers, particularly in the handling of eagle feathers, which are protected under federal law and cannot be removed by school personnel.
Video from ASBA: Your Guide to the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit
National Recognition
On October 9, 2025, OIE Professional Learning Specialist, Elaine Mollindo, was awarded the Community Service of the Year Award from the National Indian Education Association for her work on creating the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkits. Listen to her acceptance speech below! Congratulations Elaine!
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