Blackfoot Cultural Survival

Montana Blackfoot Nation Flag

The living conditions of the Blackfoot today are varying. They are having a steady improvement to their educational system as well as their employment opportunities. However, they are suffering from social problems arising from the allowance of business to serve alcohol in the reservations. There are services being offered for alcoholism, addiction, family problems, and unemployment; all in hopes to remedy the situation.

Many of the different Blackfoot Confederacy reserves are in different stages of development, one is still in the final stages of arranging self-government with Canada whilst others are slowly regaining control over their health, social, economic, and education services by including tribal language and traditions in the schools and services as well as owning a successful clothing factory.


"Black Bear" Blackfoot Ceramic Artist

Many of the old Blackfoot traditions are still being carried on by the current Blackfoot tribes and they are hoping to have these traditions continue on with their children. They are continuing rituals such as announcing the coming of spring by opening five medicine bundles, one at every sound of thunder during the spring. The Blackfoot have even been holding their Sun Dance rituals (discussed in my "World of the Blackfoot" blog) for 80 years. This ritual became illegal in the 1890's lasting until 1934 where they began to uphold the practice every summer. The event is eight days long, full of prayers, dancing, singing, and offerings to their Creator, all allowing the Blackfoot to get together and celebrate their cultures most sacred ceremonies.

References:
http://books.google.com/books?id=w08QJwpzJM4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=blackfoot+history&hl=en&sa=X&ei=xhthU8-TMYLlsATUzoKQDw&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=true
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfoot_Confederacy#The_Indian_Wars