Hi Prayerwoman, I found this in a website - hope it can shed light on your question

Polly xxxxxxx

http://wblrd.sk.ca/~abspirit_dev/faqs.htm#eagle

10. What is the significance of the eagle feather?

  The Eagle feather comes from a bird of great spiritual significance to many First Nations cultures. The Eagle is the messenger of prayer. It fly's the highest in the sky and therefore can transmit our prayers to the Creator. It is the Eagle that was given the responsibility to watch over the ceremonies. It fly's over the places that the sacred fires burn and the smoke from the sacred plants of prayer rise up as prayer and offerings are made. The eagle serves as messenger and witness to ceremony. Because of its spiritual significance, the eagle feather is treated with great honour. It is one of the highest honours that can be given to a person. The dancers adorned in Eagle feathers honour the eagle by their dance. The eagle feather is the Creators messenger of choice and therefore has the power to heal. If an eagle is seen to pass over a ceremony or a powwow Grand Entry it signifies that you have been blessed and the Creator has heard your prayers.