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  • The Blackfoot were fierce warriors and successful hunters. Initially, they controlled a vast region from the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta to Yellowstone River in Montana, and from the Rocky Mountains to the Cypress Hills on Alberta-Saskatchewan border
  • The basic social structure of the Blackfoot was the band. Bands could vary in size from very large, to a small groupings of families
  • Bands were not always based on kinship ties, and individuals could freely move from one band to another. All bands had a leader who was chosen by consensus on merit, and according to his special talents. The leader had to be generous and a good warrior
  • Piikani or Peigan means 'scabby robes' after a legend about improperly prepared buffalo hides
  • The term 'Blackfoot' actually refers to three tribes
    • Siksika or Blackfoot proper
    • Kai-nau or Bloods
    • Piikani or Peigan
  • Treat 7 was signed in 1877 and covers Southern Alberta. It was signed by the Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, Sarcee, Stony, Chipewyan and Assiniboine
  • The Blackfoot used the Buffalo Jump to capture and slaughter the buffalo. At the start, women and children would be positioned behind piles of stones arranged in a V shape that narrowed to a point at the edge of a steep cliff. Buffalo were enticed to enter the wedge by a hunter that was dressed/disguised in a buffalo robe. Other people would follow the buffalo yelling and flapping robes and waving the scent of burning cedar in the air. This caused the buffalo to panic and stampede over the edge of the cliff. Once they were over the edge, hunters would shoot arrows down to ensure there were no survivors
  • The Kainaiwa or Blood reserve is the largest in Canada. It is located 200km south of Calgary near Cardston and Lethbridge
  • Early in the 1800s the Bloods lived and hunted primarily in southern and eastern Alberta. Many of their favorite hunting places were located near Drumheller and Lethbridge. They often spent winters along the Belly, Highwood and Battle Rivers

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