Native American Heritage Month
- neclmft
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Did you know Dr. Cunningham's heritage includes Native American tribe, The Blackfeet Nation? Here's a brief synopsis of the Blackfeet Nation history.
The history of the Blackfeet Nation is defined by a 10,000-year presence in the Rocky Mountain region, traditional nomadic life centered on bison hunting, and eventual forced relocation onto a reservation in Montana due to the near-extermination of buffalo and encroachment by settlers. The Blackfeet were a prominent group of Plains warriors and were one of the first tribes to utilize the pishkun, or buffalo jump, to harvest herds.
Pre-contact and early history
The Blackfeet have lived in the Rocky Mountain region for over 10,000 years, having migrated west from the Great Lakes region.
Their historical territory was vast, encompassing parts of southern Canada and extending through Montana to Yellowstone National Park.
They were nomadic and followed the seasonal migration of bison, using them for food, clothing, and shelter.
The Blackfeet were one of the first tribes to use pishkuns, or steep cliffs, to drive bison herds for hunting.
Conflict and relocation
The Blackfeet experienced hardship from European and American settlers, including the introduction of diseases and warfare.
The near-extermination of the buffalo by settlers devastated the tribe's traditional way of life.
The Marias Massacre of 1870 resulted in the deaths of around 200 Piegan people, mostly women, children, and the elderly.
Following the massacre and other conflicts, more land was taken from the Blackfeet, leading to their confinement to reservations.
The Blackfeet Reservation in Montana was established by a treaty in 1855.
Reservation era and modern times
The Blackfeet Nation is now one of the largest tribes in the United States, with a reservation in northwest Montana.
Despite hardships and policies that outlawed their traditional practices, the Blackfeet have worked to maintain their culture and traditions.
The establishment of the Blackfeet Water Compact has provided the tribe with significant water rights and jurisdiction, helping to support a sustainable economy.
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