Blackfoot Names Used by Other Tribes

The Blackfoot Confederacy, a powerful and influential group of First Nations peoples, has long occupied a significant place in the history and culture of the North American Great Plains. Their territory, spanning parts of present-day Montana in the United States and Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia in Canada, brought them into contact – both peaceful and conflictual – with numerous other tribes. As a result, the Blackfoot became known by a variety of names, each reflecting a unique perspective and understanding of this formidable group. This article explores the diverse nomenclature used by neighboring tribes to refer to the Blackfoot, offering insights into the relationships, perceptions, and even the biases that shaped intertribal interactions.

The practice of using distinct names for different tribes was common among Indigenous peoples. These names often stemmed from observable characteristics, significant events, or perceived traits. They could be descriptive, metaphorical, or even derogatory, reflecting the complex tapestry of intertribal relations. By examining these names, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural landscape of the Great Plains and the nuanced ways in which different groups viewed one another.

A Tapestry of Names: Tribal Designations for the Blackfoot

The following is a compilation of names used by various tribes to refer to the Blackfoot Confederacy, along with their meanings where known:

• Arapaho: The Arapaho people used the terms Wateniâ’hte or Ka-wi-â’na-han, both of which translate to "black people." This designation likely referred to the dark moccasins or leggings that were characteristic of Blackfoot attire.

• Arikara: The Arikara called the Blackfoot Choch-Katit. The meaning of this term is not readily available, highlighting the potential loss of linguistic and cultural knowledge over time. Further research into the Arikara language and oral traditions might shed light on its significance.

• Cheyenne: The Cheyenne used the name Po’o-mas, which means "blankets whitened with earth." This name potentially refers to a specific type of hide processing or decoration practiced by the Blackfoot, or perhaps to a particular style of painted robes.

• Chippewa (Ojibwe): The Chippewa, also known as the Ojibwe, referred to the Blackfoot as Ayatchinini or Makadewana-ssidok. These terms likely reflect the Chippewa’s geographical distance from the Blackfoot, suggesting a more generalized understanding of the tribe.

• Comanche: The Comanche name for the Blackfoot was Tuhu’vti-ómokat. Like the Arikara term, the precise meaning of this designation requires further linguistic and historical investigation.

• Cree: The Cree, close neighbors and frequent adversaries of the Blackfoot, used the term Ayatchiyiniw, signifying "stranger" or "enemy." This name vividly illustrates the often-strained relationship between the two tribes, highlighting the competition for resources and territory that characterized their interactions.

• Crow: The Crow people referred to the Blackfoot as Carmeneh or Ish-te-pit’e. The significance of these terms within the Crow language and cultural context warrants further exploration.

• Dobbs (1744): In 1744, Dobbs, a European explorer or trader, recorded the name Beaux Hommes for the Blackfoot. This French term translates to "handsome men," suggesting a European observer’s aesthetic appreciation of the Blackfoot people. This name also reflects the early interactions between Europeans and the Blackfoot.

• Fox: The Fox tribe called the Blackfoot Mümakatüwana-siütü-ak. The meaning of this name remains obscure, emphasizing the challenges in deciphering historical linguistic references.

• Hidatsa: The Hidatsa used the name I tsi sõ pi sa, meaning "black feet." This is one of the more straightforward and literal designations, aligning with the common understanding of the tribe’s name origin.

• Kalispel: The Kalispel people referred to the Blackfoot as S’chkoé or S’chkoeishin, derived from koÃ, meaning "black." Similar to other "black" references, this name likely alludes to the dark footwear or clothing associated with the Blackfoot.

• Kansa: The Kansa name for the Blackfoot was Sicõbë. Further research is needed to understand the etymology and cultural context of this term.

• Kiowa: The Kiowa called the Blackfoot Toñkoñko, signifying "black legs." This designation echoes the "black feet" and "black people" references, reinforcing the prominence of dark-colored legwear in the perception of the Blackfoot.

• Kutenai: The Kutenai used the name Saha’ntla, signifying "bad people." This derogatory term likely reflects a history of conflict or negative interactions between the two tribes. It offers a stark contrast to more neutral or descriptive names.

• Okanogan: The Okanogan referred to the Blackfoot as Stxuaõxn, signifying "black." This concise designation aligns with the broader trend of associating the Blackfoot with the color black.

• Ottawa: The Ottawa name for the Blackfoot was Mukkudda Ozitunnug. The meaning of this term requires further linguistic analysis.

• Salish: The Salish people called the Blackfoot Skuõõsheni, signifying "black foot." This designation mirrors the Hidatsa name and reinforces the widespread association of the Blackfoot with dark-colored footwear.

• Sarsi: The Sarsi used the name Katce. The significance of this term within the Sarsi language and cultural context requires further investigation.

• Shawnee: The Shawnee name for the Blackfoot was Mkatewetitéta. The meaning of this term remains unclear, highlighting the need for additional research.

• Shoshoni: The Shoshoni referred to the Blackfoot as Pah-kee. The significance of this term within the Shoshoni language and cultural context warrants further exploration.

• Yankton Dakota: The Yankton Dakota used the name Si-ha’sa-pa, signifying "black foot." This designation aligns with the Hidatsa and Salish names, emphasizing the prominence of dark-colored footwear in the perception of the Blackfoot.

Self-Designations: How the Blackfoot Viewed Themselves

In addition to the names given to them by other tribes, the Blackfoot Confederacy also had their own names for themselves, reflecting their internal identity and cultural values:

• Kainai (Blood Tribe): The Kainai First Nation, one of the constituent tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy, called themselves Ah-hi’ta-pe, which means "blood people." This name reflects their strong sense of kinship and shared ancestry.

• Netsepoyë: The Blackfoot Confederacy collectively referred to themselves as the Netsepoyë, meaning "people who speak our language." This name emphasizes the importance of language as a unifying force and a marker of cultural identity.

• Sawketakix: The Blackfoot also referred to themselves as Sawketakix, meaning "men of the plains." This name reflects their intimate connection to the Great Plains environment and their expertise in navigating and utilizing its resources.

Conclusion

The diverse array of names used by other tribes to refer to the Blackfoot Confederacy offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex tapestry of intertribal relations on the Great Plains. These names, ranging from descriptive terms like "black feet" to potentially derogatory designations like "bad people," reflect the unique perspectives, experiences, and biases that shaped interactions between different groups. By examining these names, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural landscape of the region and the nuanced ways in which different tribes perceived and understood one another. Furthermore, the self-designations used by the Blackfoot themselves provide valuable insights into their own sense of identity and cultural values. This exploration underscores the importance of linguistic diversity and the power of names to shape perceptions and preserve historical narratives.