On October 2nd, 2025 the Urban Bird Project welcomed community Elders Milo Colton (Ani Kituwah Cherokee) and Rudy Perez (Lipan Apache Band of Texas) to the Community-Engaged Research Methods in Environmental Justice course on the UT San Antonio main campus.
Milo Colton, Ph.D., J.D., discussed the role of birds in American Indian Spirituality as a Ani Kituwah (Cherokee) Elder and shared wisdom related to bird feathers and parts. Dr. Colton also shared his experience as acting legal representative for the federal government case, McAllen Grace Brethren Church v. Salazar, involving the seizure of Eagle feathers at a powwow in McAllen, Texas.
Rudy Perez, Vice President of the Lipan Apache Band of Texas, presented on Indigenous relationality to birds and feathers and provided his perspective as a Lipan Apache. Mr. Perez shared cultural wisdom on the use of birds, feathers and their parts for ceremonial, culinary, and cultural practices and the historical importance of birds to the Lipan Apache. Mr. Perez also discussed how he selectively breeds his turkey flocks to produce feathers that resemble Eagle and Hawk feathers.
Both provided insight into the cultural importance of birds to the many Indigenous People of Texas and shared experience centered around identity, culture, and religious practices.