The Blackfeet Indian Reservation, a sprawling territory in the U.S. state of Montana, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Blackfeet Nation. Located on the eastern flanks of the majestic Glacier National Park, the reservation’s landscape is a diverse tapestry of rolling grasslands, forested foothills, and vital waterways. This land, rich in history and cultural significance, serves as the homeland for the primarily Piegan Blackfeet (Pikuni) people, along with a segment of the Southern Siksika.
The story of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is intertwined with the creation of Glacier National Park. In a pivotal moment in history, the Blackfeet ceded the land that now comprises the park to the United States. This act, while contributing to the establishment of a national treasure, also marked a significant shift in the Blackfeet’s territorial control and way of life. Today, the reservation shares a border with the Canadian province of Alberta, further underscoring its geographical and cultural connections to the north.
A Confederacy of Tribes
Historically, the Blackfeet Nation was organized as a confederacy of three distinct, politically independent tribes. These were the Piegan (Pikuni), the southernmost tribe; the Blood (Kainai), the central tribe; and the Northern Blackfeet (Siksika), residing in the north. While the Piegan primarily inhabit the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana, the Blood and Northern Blackfeet maintain their communities on reservations within Alberta, Canada. These divisions, born from historical migrations and political structures, continue to shape the Blackfeet Nation’s identity and governance. The specific tribal names, Pikuni for Piegan, Siksika for Northern Blackfeet, and Kainah for Blood, reflect the unique cultural heritage and traditions of each group.
Demographics and Communities
According to the 2010 census, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is home to 10,405 people, spread across its 3,000 square miles (7,800 square kilometers). This translates to a population density of approximately 3.47 people per square mile (1.34 people per square kilometer), reflecting the rural and expansive nature of the reservation.
Browning serves as the central hub of the reservation, acting as the seat of tribal government and a focal point for community life. Here, visitors can explore the Museum of the Plains Indian, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich artistic and historical heritage of the Plains Indians, including the Blackfeet.
In addition to Browning, several smaller communities dot the landscape of the reservation, each contributing to its unique character. St. Mary and East Glacier Park Village, situated along the edge of Glacier National Park, cater to the tourist economy, offering lodging, dining, and access to the park’s stunning natural beauty. East Glacier Park Village also boasts an Amtrak station and the historic Glacier Park Lodge, adding to its appeal as a gateway to the park. Other smaller communities within the reservation include Babb, Kiowa, Blackfoot, Seville, Heart Butte, Starr School, and Glacier Homes, each with its own distinct identity and close-knit community spirit.
Cultural Celebrations
A highlight of the year on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is the North American Indian Days pow wow, a vibrant and inclusive celebration open to the public. Held annually the weekend after the 4th of July, this event brings together members of the Blackfeet Nation and visitors from across the country to celebrate Native American culture through traditional dance, music, food, and crafts. The pow wow serves as a powerful expression of cultural pride and a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange.
Topography and Natural Resources
The Blackfeet Indian Reservation boasts a diverse topography, ranging from open grasslands in the east to forested areas along its western edge. The eastern portion of the reservation is characterized by rolling hills and expansive prairies, ideal for grazing and agriculture. A narrow strip along the western boundary, adjacent to Glacier National Park, is covered by forests of fir and spruce, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife and contributing to the region’s scenic beauty.
Chief Mountain, known as "Ninaistakis" in the Blackfeet language, stands as a prominent landmark on the landscape and holds deep spiritual significance for the Blackfeet people. Situated on the border between the reservation and Glacier National Park, this majestic peak is considered sacred and plays a central role in Blackfeet cosmology and traditional beliefs.
The reservation is also crisscrossed by several vital waterways, including the St. Mary River, Two Medicine River, Milk River, Birch Creek, and Cut Bank Creek. These rivers and creeks not only provide essential water resources for agriculture and domestic use but also support a diverse range of aquatic life. In addition to the rivers, the reservation features eight major lakes, enhancing its scenic beauty and offering recreational opportunities. With 175 miles (282 kilometers) of streams, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is abundant in natural resources.
Economic Landscape
The economy of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation faces significant challenges, including high unemployment rates. In 2001, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) reported a 69% unemployment rate among the 16,500 registered members of the tribe. Furthermore, of those who were employed, 26% earned less than the federal poverty level, highlighting the economic disparities within the community.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the reservation’s economy. A total of 354 farms cover 1,291,180 acres (5,225.2 square kilometers) of land, representing the majority of the reservation’s territory. Most of these farms are family-owned, with 198 farms owned by Native Americans. Cattle ranching is the dominant agricultural activity, with 80% of the land used for raising beef cattle, which also generate 80% of farm income. Other livestock raised on the reservation include hogs and chickens, with smaller numbers of dairy cattle, bison, horses, and sheep.
Crop production is also an important aspect of the reservation’s agriculture. Of the 245,530 acres (993.6 square kilometers) used for growing crops, only 32,158 acres (130.14 square kilometers), or 13%, are irrigated. The primary crops raised include wheat, barley, and hay, with a smaller amount of oats.
Wildfire firefighting provides a crucial seasonal income source for many members of the Blackfeet Nation. In 2000, approximately 1,000 Blackfeet individuals worked as firefighters, including members of the elite Chief Mountain Hotshots team. Firefighting income brought in $6.1 million that year, representing a significant contribution to the reservation’s economy. However, this income is highly variable, depending on the severity of the wildfire season. Blackfeet firefighters have fought seasonal forest fires all over the United States, demonstrating their expertise and dedication. They also participated in the search and recovery efforts following the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, showcasing their commitment to service.
Oil and natural gas leases on tribal lands represent a major source of income for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. In 1982, there were 643 producing oil wells and 47 producing gas wells, generating revenue for the tribe and its members. Tourism also contributes significantly to the reservation’s economy, with visitors drawn to the area’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Other economic activities on the reservation include ranching and a small lumber industry, which once supported the Blackfeet Indian Writing Company pencil factory in Browning. The Blackfeet Indian Reservation continues to evolve.