Natawista Culbertson – Native American Diplomat and Interpreter
The vast, untamed landscapes of the 19th-century American West served as a backdrop for encounters between disparate cultures. Among the figures who navigated this complex terrain, bridging the gap between Native American tribes and the burgeoning influx of settlers, stands Natawista Culbertson. Her story is one of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the personal challenges of living between two worlds. As a daughter of a prominent Blackfeet chief and the wife of a powerful fur trader, she played a crucial role in shaping the interactions that defined the era.
Natawista, born around 1825, entered a world steeped in the traditions of the Kainah, or Blood Tribe, a significant member of the Blackfeet Confederacy. The Blackfeet, known for their fierce independence and skilled horsemanship, controlled vast territories across present-day Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Her father, Two Suns, held the esteemed position of chief, entrusting her with a legacy of leadership and responsibility to her people. Her early life would have been immersed in the nomadic lifestyle of the Blackfeet, learning the skills necessary for survival on the plains: hunting, gathering, and the intricate social customs of her tribe.
The pivotal moment that altered the course of Natawista’s life arrived when she was just fifteen years old. She accompanied her father on a journey from their traditional lands in Canada to Fort Union, a bustling trading post strategically situated on the border between what would become North Dakota and Montana. Fort Union was not merely a collection of buildings; it was a microcosm of the rapidly changing West, a place where Native American tribes converged to trade furs for goods from the outside world. It was also where she met Alexander Culbertson.
Alexander Culbertson, a man of ambition and influence, served as the chief trader for the Upper Missouri Outfit of the American Fur Company. This company, a dominant force in the fur trade, sought to establish strong relationships with Native American tribes to ensure a steady supply of valuable furs. The competition between American and British fur traders was intense, and alliances were crucial for success. Recognizing the strategic importance of cementing ties with the Blackfeet, Culbertson sought a connection that went beyond mere commerce. Marrying the daughter of a chief was a common practice, a way to forge kinship and trust, and solidify trading relations.
The marriage of Natawista to Alexander Culbertson marked the beginning of a unique partnership. She became more than just a wife; she became a vital link between her people and the world of the fur traders. Her understanding of Blackfeet culture, language, and customs made her an invaluable asset to her husband. She acted as a diplomat, navigating the delicate negotiations between the American Fur Company and the Blackfeet tribes. Her presence at Fort Union served as a symbol of trust and goodwill, fostering an environment conducive to trade.
Natawista’s role extended beyond formal diplomacy. She also served as a hostess, welcoming visitors to Fort Union and ensuring their comfort. She entertained dignitaries, traders, and travelers from diverse backgrounds, creating a space for cultural exchange and understanding. Her ability to communicate fluently in both Blackfeet and English made her an indispensable interpreter, facilitating clear and accurate communication in a setting where misunderstandings could have dire consequences.
Over nearly three decades, Natawista and Alexander Culbertson built a life together, raising five children and amassing a considerable fortune in the fur trade. Their partnership exemplified the complex dynamics of the American West, where individuals from different cultures forged alliances and built families in the face of immense challenges.
In 1858, the Culbertsons decided to leave the frontier and relocate to a farm near Peoria, Illinois. This move brought Natawista into a vastly different social environment. Life in a settled, agrarian community was a stark contrast to the nomadic lifestyle she had known as a child and the bustling atmosphere of Fort Union. Accounts from the time describe her life as "unconventional," hinting at the difficulties she faced in adapting to the expectations of white society.
One particularly striking anecdote illustrates her enduring connection to her heritage. Occasionally, in the autumn, Natawista would erect a teepee on the lawn of her Illinois home. She would shed her "white woman’s clothes," don her traditional Indian attire, and spend several weeks living in the teepee, reconnecting with her roots and reaffirming her identity. This act served as a powerful reminder of her heritage and a testament to her unwavering spirit.
In 1868, the Culbertsons returned to the West, settling in Fort Benton, Montana. Alexander resumed his trading activities, and Natawista found herself once again immersed in the world of the frontier. However, this chapter of her life was destined to be short-lived. Just a few years later, she made a momentous decision: she left her husband and returned to the Blood camps in Alberta, Canada.
The reasons behind Natawista’s departure remain shrouded in mystery. Some historians speculate that she felt a growing disconnect from her husband and the increasingly materialistic world he represented. Others suggest that she longed to return to her people and the traditional way of life she had left behind. Whatever the specific motivations, her decision reflects a deep sense of loyalty to her heritage and a desire to reconnect with her roots.
Natawista Culbertson spent the remainder of her life among the Blood people, passing away in 1895. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Native American women in the face of profound cultural change. She navigated the complexities of the fur trade, served as a bridge between two worlds, and ultimately chose to return to her people, reaffirming her commitment to her heritage. Her legacy lives on as a reminder of the vital role that Native American women played in shaping the history of the American West. She was a diplomat, an interpreter, a hostess, a wife, and a mother, but above all, she was Natawista Culbertson, a woman who left an indelible mark on the landscape of the American West.