THE BLACKFEET
Blackfeet People
The Blackfeet (Pikuni) people descend from proud hunters and fierce warriors who once dominated a huge expanse of the northern prairies east of the Rocky Mountain Front. The nomadic Blackfeet were adept with a variety of weapons and incomparable foes when mounted on swift horses. We were not to be trifled with in the 1800’s. Our enemies could be other hostile tribes or the fur trappers and gold seekers who preceded overwhelming European encroachment. The wanton slaughter of buffalo on the northern plains brought about an eventual decline for the seasonal hunting migrations for our Pikuni people.
Blackfeet Nation
The Blackfeet Indian Reservation was established by the Treaty of 1855. Today the Blackfeet Nation encompasses about one and a half million acres. We are governed as a sovereign nation within a nation by the elected Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. Many tribal members hold to traditional celebrations and ceremonies. Our young people are encouraged to honor their Blackfeet ethnic culture and, at the same time, embrace education and learning. Poverty and unemployment are prevalent in Blackfeet Country. The lingering vestiges of outside racism, discrimination and treaty violations still exist. Many Blackfeet possess a determination to overcome hardships and define success on their own terms. We are a proud and resilient people.