Story Of The Blackfoot People

Item Information
Item#: 9781770851818
Author Glenbow Museum
Cover Paperback
On Hand 0
 

For the first time in history, the Blackfoot people share their culture, beliefs and traditions with the rest of the world.

In an innovative partnership with the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, a team of elders and spiritual leaders from the Blackfoot community agreed to share their history, traditions and artifacts in an effort to document their lives. The Story of the Blackfoot People: Niitsitapiisinni is the first piece of permanent documentation written by the leaders of the Blackfoot community about their lives both past and present.

This book chronicles all the important aspects of Blackfoot life and history. The book begins by exploring the fundamental belief systems of the Blackfoot including their traditional stories, sacred places, dances and ceremonies. Strong relationships are recognized by the Blackfoot as one of the most important keys to survival and the roles of men, women, children and elders, and their sacred connection to nature and their environment, are examined in detail. Less harmonious relationships are also candidly explored including relations between the Blackfoot people and the governments of the United States and Canada. In its moving conclusion, the Blackfoot community discusses the importance of uniting ancient traditions with modern challenges in order for their legacy to survive.

Revealing the enduring strength and fortitude of spirit of the Blackfoot people, this book will have meaning for both native and non-native readers alike.



Review Quotes
[Review of previous edition:] This excellent volume provides readers with a context for understanding and appreciating Blackfoot culture.

[Review of previous edition:] The conflicts that have accompanied the coming of Europeans, which have caused much pain and dislocation, figure large in their story.

The book was originally published in 2001. Since that time, the value of this legacy and the accompanying information has become even more important to be shared ... The information and stories presented in the seven chapters remind the reader of the foundation and growth of this proud and germane nation. Readers explore the way of life of the Blackfoot, their world view, their coexistence with each other and their neighbours, the physical territory, and the end of the buffalo days... Copious photographs, both in colour and black-and-white, creative and aesthetic layouts, along with eclectic sidebars and quotes offer readers an enlightening and effective expedition into the past and a perceptive and purposeful pathway for a broader understanding and appreciation of the Blackfoot people. Highly recommended for all collections.

For the Blackfoot People that wish to maintain their traditions, this book should be an important cultural journey. It will take the individual back into a period where his or her ancestors lived a remarkable existence, and furthermore it should reaffirm that the proud spirituality and vibrant culture of their past is not to be recognized as merely a latent phase to be assimilated into modern society, but a truly unique and vibrant institution that must honour tradition on its own terms.