Clyde Bellecourt, Ojibway Nation

These whistles are considered very sacred and to blow them for any other purpose would not be respectful. They are used by the shamans of Asia and the Native Peoples of North America and by Medicine Men to call spirits, blown in time with the drum by the dancers during the Sun Dance, and used during the Grass Dance.

The tibula bone of an eagle wing is used for the whistle. It is attached to a buckskin cord and tipped with a white plume feather from the breast of a golden eagle. The sound of the eagle bone whistle can be heard by the Great Spirit (Wakan Takan).