Blackfeet Nation

Who are the Blackfeet Nation?

The Blackfeet Nation is a community of Indigenous people whose main home is the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. They are part of the larger Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes related groups in both the United States and Canada. Most Blackfeet Nation members are from the Piegan Blackfeet band, also called Ampskapi Piikani. Their shared history, language, and spiritual connection to the land, especially the Badger-Two Medicine area, unite them. The tribe maintains strong traditions and a sovereign government, and their identity is shaped by both their ancient roots and their modern life on the reservation.

Where do the Blackfeet Nation live?

The Blackfeet Indian Reservation covers about 3,000 square miles in northern Montana, east of Glacier National Park and bordering Alberta, Canada. The land features rolling grasslands, forested mountain edges, and waterways such as the St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Milk Rivers. Chief Mountain and other peaks mark the western edge, an area the Blackfeet call the 'Backbone of the World.' The Badger-Two Medicine area, on the Rocky Mountain Front, is especially sacred and remains central to Blackfeet culture.

What language do the Blackfeet Nation speak?

The Blackfeet speak Blackfoot, an Algonquian language. The language is a key part of their identity and oral traditions. Elders are especially valued as keepers of stories and language. While English is widely used, efforts continue to teach and preserve Blackfoot among younger generations.

How do the Blackfeet Nation live?

Traditionally, the Blackfeet lived by hunting, fishing, and gathering on the plains. Today, ranching and farming are major sources of income, with most land used for raising cattle. Oil and gas leases have also brought revenue, though these have sometimes caused conflict over sacred lands. Tourism, especially near Glacier National Park, provides seasonal jobs. Some tribal members work in wildfire firefighting, and crafts and small businesses also contribute to the local economy.

How is Blackfeet Nation society organised?

The Blackfeet Nation is organized through an elected Tribal Business Council, which oversees governance and services. Family and kinship ties remain important, and elders hold a respected place as keepers of tradition and oral history. The community gathers for events like North American Indian Days, which feature powwows and cultural celebrations. Decisions about land and resources are often made collectively, reflecting both traditional and modern forms of leadership.

What do the Blackfeet Nation believe?

Blackfeet beliefs center on a deep spiritual connection to the land, especially places like the Badger-Two Medicine, considered their site of creation. Oral history and mythology are central, with elders responsible for passing on sacred stories. Rituals, ceremonies, and annual gatherings like powwows are key parts of cultural life. The tribe’s art, music, and dress reflect their heritage and ongoing relationship with their homeland.

The history of the Blackfeet Nation

The Blackfeet have lived on the Northern Great Plains for thousands of years. They became a powerful force after acquiring horses and firearms through trade and raids. Their territory once stretched from northern Alberta to Yellowstone and the Black Hills. In the late 19th century, settlers and governments forced them to cede much of their land, confining them to reservations. The Badger-Two Medicine area, sacred to the Blackfeet, was excluded from their reservation by treaty, but they retained rights to use it. In recent decades, the tribe has fought to protect this land from oil drilling, winning key legal battles and working with partners to ensure its conservation.

Blackfeet Nation life today

Today, the Blackfeet Nation numbers about 16,500 enrolled members, with most living on the Montana reservation. They maintain their own government and provide services to their people. While unemployment and poverty remain challenges, the tribe is active in managing land, resources, and cultural programs. Recent victories in protecting sacred sites and efforts to preserve language and tradition show the community’s resilience and commitment to their heritage.

Questions people ask about the Blackfeet Nation

Sources and further reading

• Blackfeet Nation on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Blackfeet Nation themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.