The Blackfeet Indians – “Real” People of Montana
The vast plains of North America have long been home to diverse and resilient Indigenous cultures, each with its unique history, traditions, and relationship to the land. Among these, the Blackfeet Indians, or Blackfoot as they are known in Canada, stand out as a powerful and influential confederacy that once dominated a vast territory stretching across the Northwestern Plains. This article delves into the history, culture, and experiences of the Blackfeet Indians, offering a glimpse into the lives of these "real" people of Montana.
The Blackfeet Indians Confederacy comprised four distinct tribes: the North Piegan (also spelled Piikani), South Piegan (also known as Apatohsipiikani), Blood (Kainai), and Siksika. United by a common language, shared cultural practices, and mutual defense treaties, these tribes formed a formidable alliance that controlled a significant portion of the Northern Plains. Their territory extended from the North Saskatchewan River in present-day Canada south to the Missouri River in Montana, encompassing a diverse landscape of grasslands, forests, and mountains. This expansive territory allowed the Blackfeet Indians to thrive as nomadic hunter-gatherers, deeply connected to the rhythms of the natural world.
The lifestyle of the Blackfeet Indians was deeply intertwined with the cycles of the seasons and the movements of the buffalo. As nomadic people, they lived in portable teepees, skillfully crafted from buffalo hides and easily moved as they followed the herds. The buffalo served as the cornerstone of their existence, providing food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Every part of the animal was utilized, demonstrating a deep respect for the resource and a sustainable way of life. In addition to buffalo, the Blackfeet Indians also hunted deer and other smaller game, using snares and other traditional methods. While fish were abundant in the region’s rivers and streams, they were typically consumed only when other meat sources were scarce, reflecting a cultural preference for the bounty of the land.
Oral tradition tells of a time before horses, when buffalo were hunted using drives, a communal effort that required coordination and skill. Deer and other small game were caught with snares. The Blackfeet Indians were originally located in the northern Great Lakes Region, however, were among the first tribes to move westward. Pushed out by their enemies, the Cree Indians, the Blackfeet began to roam the northern plains from Saskatchewan to the Rocky Mountains.
During the harsh winter months, the Blackfeet Indians would separate into smaller bands, typically consisting of 10 to 20 lodges, each housing 100 to 200 people. These smaller groups would seek shelter in wooded areas, providing protection from the elements and access to timber for fuel and construction. Each band was led by a chief, whose authority was based on a combination of wealth, success in warfare, and ceremonial knowledge. These bands were defined by residence rather than kinship, and members could join other bands whenever they liked. This flexible social structure allowed for adaptability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions and external pressures.
As spring arrived and the grasslands emerged from their winter slumber, the Blackfeet Indians would reunite in larger tribal camps, following the migrating buffalo herds. The summer months were a time of abundance, filled with communal hunts, ceremonial rituals, and social gatherings. The most important of these gatherings was the Sun Dance, a major tribal ceremony held in mid-summer. The Sun Dance served multiple purposes, providing a space for spiritual renewal, social bonding, and the reaffirmation of cultural values. Warrior societies, based on acts of bravery and skill, also played a significant role in the social and political life of the Blackfeet Indians, fostering a culture of courage and leadership. The large buffalo hunts that accompanied the Sun Dance provided food and offerings for the ceremonies, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the people, the land, and the buffalo.
The arrival of the horse in the early 18th century profoundly impacted the lives of the Blackfeet Indians. Initially, they encountered horses through conflict with the Shoshone tribe, who used them in warfare. Recognizing the potential of these animals, the Blackfeet quickly sought to acquire them, primarily through trade with other tribes such as the Flathead, Kutenai, and Nez Perce. Horses revolutionized hunting, warfare, and transportation, allowing the Blackfeet to expand their territory and increase their efficiency in procuring resources. However, the arrival of Europeans also brought devastating consequences, including the spread of diseases like smallpox, which decimated the Blackfeet population in the mid-1800s. Despite these challenges, the Blackfeet Indians continued to trade buffalo hides, horses, and guns with the encroaching settlers, adapting to the changing circumstances while striving to maintain their traditional way of life.
The relationship between the Blackfeet Indians and the United States government was marked by conflict and tragedy. One of the most horrific events in their history was the Marias Massacre, which occurred on January 23, 1870. U.S. Cavalry soldiers, searching for a band of hostile Blackfeet Indians led by Mountain Chief, mistakenly attacked a peaceful encampment of Piegan Indians led by Chief Heavy Runner. Despite Chief Heavy Runner’s attempts to demonstrate his peaceful intentions by waving a safe-conduct paper, the soldiers opened fire, killing him and many others, primarily women, children, and the elderly. The massacre resulted in the deaths of an estimated 173 people, and many more were left to freeze to death as they fled to Fort Benton without adequate clothing, food, or horses. The Marias Massacre remains a stark reminder of the violence and injustice inflicted upon Native American tribes during the westward expansion of the United States.
Despite facing immense challenges, including disease, warfare, and the near-extinction of the buffalo, the Blackfeet Indians have persevered. In 1877, the Canadian Blackfeet were compelled to sign a treaty that placed them on a reservation in southern Alberta. The buffalo nearly extinct in Montana, many Blackfeet starved and were forced to depend upon the Indian Agency for food. While the white settlers made the buffalo almost extinct, the Blackfeet maintained their traditions and culture. The population of the Blackfeet Indians dwindled from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1800s to less than 5,000 by the turn of the century.
Today, the Blackfeet Indians continue to maintain their cultural identity and fight for their rights. They are working to revitalize their language, preserve their traditions, and promote the well-being of their communities. The Blackfeet Nation in Montana and the Blackfoot Confederacy in Canada are actively involved in economic development, education, and healthcare initiatives, striving to create a brighter future for their people while honoring their rich heritage. The story of the Blackfeet Indians is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of the Indigenous peoples of North America.