The history of the Blackfeet Nation, also referred to as the Blackfoot Confederacy, is inextricably linked to the vast landscapes of the Northern Plains and the evolving relationship with the United States government. A crucial aspect of this history lies in the treaties forged between the Blackfeet and the U.S., agreements that profoundly shaped the tribe’s territorial boundaries, sovereignty, and cultural identity. This article will delve into the specifics of the two major Blackfeet Treaties: the Treaty of 1855 and the Treaty of 1865, examining their historical context, key provisions, and lasting consequences.
Before exploring the specific treaties, it’s essential to address a common point of confusion: the spelling of "Blackfeet." While "Blackfoot" is the recognized spelling in Canada, referring to the same people, the U.S. government officially adopted the spelling "Blackfeet" for the tribal members residing south of the border. This difference, though seemingly minor, reflects the distinct historical and political trajectories of the Blackfeet people on either side of the international boundary. The term "Bloods" is also sometimes encountered as an alternate name.
The Blackfeet Nation: A Glimpse into Their World
To understand the significance of the Blackfeet Treaties, one must first appreciate the rich cultural heritage and historical context of the Blackfeet Nation. Composed of four distinct yet closely allied tribes – the Piegan (or Piikani), the Blood (or Kainai), the North Piegan (or Apatohsipiikani), and the Siksika – the Blackfeet traditionally occupied a vast territory spanning present-day Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Their lives were deeply intertwined with the land and the buffalo, which provided sustenance, clothing, shelter, and spiritual significance.
The Blackfeet were renowned for their equestrian skills, their prowess in warfare, and their complex social and political structures. Their society was organized around kinship, with extended families forming the basis of larger bands and tribal divisions. Leadership was earned through demonstrated ability, wisdom, and service to the community. Religious beliefs centered on a reverence for the natural world and a belief in powerful spirits that influenced human affairs. The annual Sun Dance was a central religious ceremony, reaffirming the tribe’s connection to the spiritual realm and ensuring the renewal of life.
Treaty With The Blackfeet, 1855: Defining Territory and Establishing Peace
The first major treaty between the Blackfeet Nation and the United States was signed in 1855. This treaty, formally titled "Treaty with the Blackfeet," was negotiated at Fort Laramie and marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the two entities. The primary objective of the U.S. government was to secure safe passage for settlers and traders traveling through Blackfeet territory, as well as to establish peaceful relations and prevent intertribal warfare.
Under the terms of the 1855 treaty, the Blackfeet ceded a vast tract of land to the United States, retaining a much smaller area as their recognized territory. This territory, which encompassed a significant portion of present-day Montana, was intended to be the exclusive domain of the Blackfeet Nation. The treaty also stipulated that the U.S. government would provide the Blackfeet with various forms of assistance, including annuities, agricultural implements, and educational opportunities. In return, the Blackfeet agreed to maintain peace with the United States and other tribes, and to allow the construction of roads and military posts within their territory.
However, the promises made by the U.S. government in the 1855 treaty were often broken. Annuities were delayed or insufficient, and the promised agricultural assistance and educational opportunities were slow to materialize. Moreover, the influx of settlers and miners into Blackfeet territory led to increased competition for resources and escalating tensions between the two groups. The treaty, intended to establish a lasting peace, ultimately laid the groundwork for future conflicts and further erosion of Blackfeet sovereignty.
Treaty With The Blackfeet Sioux, 1865: A Shifting Landscape of Power
The second major treaty involving the Blackfeet, signed in 1865, reflects the evolving dynamics of power and the growing pressure on Native American tribes in the West. This treaty, officially titled "Treaty with the Blackfeet Sioux," was negotiated in the aftermath of the American Civil War, a period marked by increased westward expansion and a renewed determination on the part of the U.S. government to assert its control over Native American territories.
The inclusion of "Sioux" in the treaty title is noteworthy and reflects the complex political landscape of the Northern Plains. While the Blackfeet and Sioux were distinct nations with their own languages, cultures, and territories, they often found themselves in alliance or conflict with each other, depending on the circumstances. The 1865 treaty sought to address the broader issue of intertribal relations and to establish a framework for peaceful coexistence between the various tribes of the region.
Under the terms of the 1865 treaty, the Blackfeet agreed to further cede land to the United States, reducing their recognized territory even further. In return, the U.S. government promised to provide the Blackfeet with additional annuities and assistance. However, like the 1855 treaty, the promises made in the 1865 treaty were often unfulfilled. The Blackfeet continued to face increasing pressure from settlers, miners, and the U.S. military, and their traditional way of life was increasingly threatened. The buffalo herds, upon which the Blackfeet depended for their survival, were decimated by overhunting, further exacerbating the tribe’s economic and social challenges.
The Lasting Consequences of the Blackfeet Treaties
The Blackfeet Treaties of 1855 and 1865 had a profound and lasting impact on the Blackfeet Nation. While the treaties were intended to establish peace and define territorial boundaries, they ultimately served as instruments of dispossession and assimilation. The treaties resulted in the loss of vast tracts of land, the erosion of Blackfeet sovereignty, and the disruption of their traditional way of life.
The Blackfeet were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing world, as their hunting grounds were transformed into farms and ranches, and their traditional customs were suppressed by government policies aimed at assimilation. Despite these challenges, the Blackfeet people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to preserve their cultural heritage and assert their rights as a sovereign nation.
Today, the Blackfeet Nation continues to advocate for the fulfillment of treaty obligations and to work towards economic self-sufficiency and cultural revitalization. The legacy of the Blackfeet Treaties serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of relations between Native American tribes and the United States government, and the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. The Blackfeet Treaties are a crucial element of their history.
The history surrounding the Blackfeet Treaties continues to shape the Blackfeet Nation’s identity and its relationship with the United States. Understanding these treaties is crucial for comprehending the challenges and triumphs of the Blackfeet people in the face of historical injustices.