The Lords Of The Northern Plains

The Blackfoot tribe, also known as the Blackfeet, is a confederation of several closely related Algonquian-speaking Native American bands: the Siksika ("Blackfoot"), the Kainai ("Blood"), and the Piikani ("Piegan"). Historically, they inhabited the northern Great Plains, primarily in what is now Montana in the United States and Alberta in Canada. Their name comes from the distinctive black-dyed moccasins they wore, a practice possibly related to walking through prairie fires or using black ash as dye.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Blackfoot lived a nomadic lifestyle centered around the buffalo. They moved in large bands following seasonal migrations of the bison, which provided them with food, clothing, shelter, and tools. The Blackfoot were skilled horsemen and warriors, known for their powerful raiding parties and strategic use of the plains for defense and hunting. They lived in tipis made of buffalo hides, designed to be easily dismantled and transported.

The introduction of horses and firearms through trade with European settlers in the 18th century drastically changed their way of life. Horses, acquired from the Spanish via trade networks, enabled the Blackfoot to expand their territory and increase their dominance over other tribes in the region. With greater mobility, they became one of the most powerful groups in the northern plains by the early 1800s.

European contact also brought devastating epidemics. Smallpox and other diseases decimated the Blackfoot population in waves during the 18th and 19th centuries, severely weakening their numbers and social structures. Despite this, the Blackfoot maintained a strong cultural identity, resisting encroachment by settlers for much longer than many other tribes.

The 19th century was a time of increasing pressure from American and Canadian governments. Treaties were signed that ceded vast amounts of Blackfoot land in exchange for limited protections and supplies, many of which were never fully honored. The most notable agreements include the Lame Bull Treaty of 1855 and Treaty 7 in 1877. These agreements confined the Blackfoot to reservations, curtailing their freedom and traditional way of life.

The near-extinction of the buffalo in the late 19th century, largely due to overhunting by white settlers and market hunters, struck a final blow to the Blackfoot’s traditional economy and independence. Starvation and poverty followed, forcing further reliance on government rations and support.

Despite these hardships, the Blackfoot people have retained a rich cultural heritage. Ceremonies like the Sun Dance, language revitalization efforts, and traditional crafts remain central to tribal identity. Today, the Blackfeet Nation in Montana and the Blackfoot Confederacy in Canada continue to assert their rights, protect their lands, and celebrate their history.

Modern Blackfoot communities are involved in education, governance, and economic development. They operate cultural centers, engage in environmental stewardship, and work to preserve their language and customs for future generations. The story of the Blackfoot is one of resilience, strength, and enduring connection to the land they have called home for centuries.

To learn more about the history of the Blackfoot, check out the HOKC episode linked below. Brought to you only by History At The OK Corral: Home Of History’s Greatest Shootouts & Showdowns!