Brandon University has been honoured to be presented with a Migizoo Mitik, or Eagle Staff, which will help the university include a new Indigenous element in important ceremonial occasions and celebrations.

William Mousseau, an Anishinaabe artisan from Ebb and Flow First Nation, created the Eagle Staff out of natural elements with spiritual significance and symbolic value to the university as well as to Indigenous communities in the region.

The staff is about five feet tall, with a curve at the top, and made from a young tamarack tree. Tamarack was traditionally used in many plains tipis and grows naturally straight; this staff has rate, twisted fiber growth, which adds unique character. Wrapped around the wood is deer leather near the bottom, and river otter fur along most of the length of the staff.

In the centre of the curve is an inclusive version of the traditional medicine wheel, painted on both sides of a two-sided leather shield.

Five bald eagle feathers are strung from the top of the staff, one for each faculty at Brandon University. The feathers are white, meaning they are from more mature eagles, and they symbolize knowledge and community. Tucked behind the feathers is a medicine bag with tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass inside.

From the side of the staff, a large banner projects out, featuring the Brandon University logo, name, and graphic elements like the chevron on both sides. The beaded logo, the chevron, and the lettering in the BU name, were all created by hand, as was every part of the staff.

Finally, from the side of the banner, 10 bundles of horsehair are attached, representing the history of plains horsemen. Other elements, like eagle plumes and small, black-tipped feathers, both located on the center shield, have been added decoratively.

The Eagle Staff is given a place of honour during important BU ceremonies. At Convocation, it is carried in earliest in the procession, held by a person of great distinction, and the Eagle Staff services to officially open the proceedings.