The Blackfoot Confederacy, a powerful and historically significant alliance of Indigenous peoples, is known in their own language as Niitsítapi, meaning "original people." This confederacy comprises three First Nations bands residing in Alberta, Canada, and one Native American tribe located in Montana, United States. A unique aspect of the Blackfoot Confederacy’s geographical distribution is that the international border between the United States and Canada bisects their traditional territory, creating distinct administrative entities for different segments of the same cultural group. This article will explore the nuances of these divisions, focusing on the specific reservations and reserves established for the Blackfeet and Blackfoot peoples.
Blackfeet Reservation
The Blackfeet Reservation, located in the state of Montana, United States, serves as the home for the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana. Predominantly composed of Southern Siksika peoples, this tribe represents a significant portion of the broader Blackfoot Confederacy. According to available data, the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana has approximately 15,560 enrolled members. Of these, roughly 7,000 individuals reside on or in close proximity to the reservation.
A noteworthy demographic detail is that around 27% of the enrolled members possess a blood quantum of at least 3/4 Blackfeet ancestry, highlighting the tribe’s commitment to preserving its lineage and cultural heritage. Historically, the Blackfeet were originally part of the Canadian tribes within the Blackfoot Confederacy. However, the establishment of the US-Canadian border resulted in their separation and the creation of distinct tribal and national identities.
Interestingly, the US Government officially refers to the tribe as "Blackfeet," a deviation from the more common "Blackfoot." While the exact reasons for this discrepancy remain somewhat unclear, the prevailing theory suggests a clerical error during the tribe’s formal recognition by the United States. Regardless of the origin, "Blackfeet" is the legally recognized name for the tribe within the United States. The Blackfeet Reservation stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Blackfeet people in the face of geographical and political divisions.
Blackfoot Reserve
Across the border in Alberta, Canada, lies the Blackfoot Reserve, a crucial land base for the Siksika Blackfoot. Officially known as the Siksika Nation Reserve or Siksika 146, this reserve is situated along the banks of the Bow River. With a substantial land area of 696.54 square kilometers, the Blackfoot Reserve ranks as the second-largest Indian reserve in Canada, surpassed only by the Blood 148 reserve, also located in Alberta.
Geographically, the Blackfoot Reserve is located approximately 87 kilometers (54 miles) southeast of the major city of Calgary. Its borders are defined by Vulcan County, Wheatland County, and the County of Newell, and the reserve sits at an elevation of 857 meters (2,812 feet) above sea level. The Canada 2011 Census recorded a population of 2,972 inhabitants residing within the Blackfoot Reserve.
The reserve holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Siksika Nation. It is home to the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a site that commemorates the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877. This treaty, signed between the Canadian government and several First Nations, including the Blackfoot, significantly altered the landscape of the Canadian prairies and had profound implications for the lives and livelihoods of the Blackfoot people.
Blood Reserve
Adjacent to the territories of the Siksika and Piikani, the Blood First Nations maintain a significant presence on the Blood Reserve No. 148, situated between the Belly and St. Mary rivers in Alberta, Canada. This reserve was formally established under the provisions outlined in Treaty 7, a pivotal agreement that shaped the relationship between the Canadian government and numerous Indigenous communities in the region.
As of December 2013, Blood 148 boasts a total registered population of 11,791 individuals, underscoring its status as one of the largest and most populous First Nations reserves in Canada. The Blood Tribe, also known as the Kainai, holds a prominent position within the Blackfoot Confederacy, contributing significantly to the confederacy’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Piegan Reserve
The Piegan Reserve, also referred to as Piikani 147 (formerly Peigan 147), is home to the Piikani Blackfoot. Situated a short distance west of the Blood Reserve on the Oldman River in Alberta, Canada, it lies approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) west of the City of Lethbridge. This reserve encompasses a land area of 430.31 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest Indian reserve in Canada. According to the 2011 census, the population of the Piegan Reserve was 1,217.
The Piikani, like the other members of the Blackfoot Confederacy, have a rich and complex history deeply intertwined with the land and its resources. Their traditional way of life centered on hunting, gathering, and a close relationship with the natural world. The establishment of the reserve system significantly altered their traditional practices and required adaptation to a new set of circumstances.
In conclusion, the Blackfeet and Blackfoot Reservations and Reserves represent a complex tapestry of history, culture, and political division. The international border between the United States and Canada has created distinct administrative entities for different segments of the same cultural group. Despite these divisions, the Blackfeet and Blackfoot peoples have maintained their cultural identity and continue to strive for self-determination and cultural preservation. The Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, the Blackfoot Reserve, the Blood Reserve, and the Piegan Reserve in Alberta each represent a unique chapter in the ongoing story of the Blackfoot Confederacy, a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Niitsítapi, the "original people."