Traditional Life

At a time before treaties, in a land that had not yet been carved up and assigned names like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana, several First Nations Peoples lived on the great plains in the same manner countless generations before them had done. For the Tsuu T’ina (Sarcee), the Nakoda (Stoney), and the three nations of the group known later to Europeans as the Blackfoot Confederacy, life was a nomadic one centred around the buffalo hunt. Though language and cultural practices would vary among the First Nations Peoples of the plains, traditional life was similar in many ways.

First Peoples today carry with them many of the same fundamental beliefs, cultures and values of their ancestors and, as a result, have become a wonderful and proud part of modern Canadian society. In this section we explore the history, culture, traditions, spiritual life and heritage of the First Nations peoples who reside in Treaty 7 territory. Not only will you find out all about the traditional life of these groups, you will explore how those traditions have endured for centuries and into the modern era.

People of the Blood

The Kainai (Blood) reserve, the largest reserve in Canada in land area, is the subject of George Webber’s book, People of the Blood, published in 2006. Webber’s photographs capture the physical and spiritual connections between the land and the people while revealing the stark realities of First Nations reserve life. This photograph essay features a sample of photographs and text passages from the book, as well as information about the publication.

The Heritage Community Foundation, with the kind permission of documentary photographer and author George Webber and Fifth House Publishing in Calgary, is pleased to present this special feature photograph essay.

Click on book cover image to enter gallery