The Amskapi Pikani or Blackfeet consist of three tribal factions known as the Siksika, the Kainah, and the Piegan, of the Algonquin language family all encompassed by the Blackfeet name. They are believed to have originated from the northeastern region of North America between the state of Main and Eastern Canada. Anthropologists believe that they began to search for land by moving west along the northern part of the U. S. and Southern Canada and slowly began to inhabit areas around the Great Lakes and then further West to the Northwestern reaches of Montana, Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The creation story of the Blackfoot is disputed due to various interpretations of language but have common interpretations in regards to being created by the Sun whom they call “Old Man”. As told by George Bird Grinnell the Blackfoot believe that they were created “Old Man” (the sun). Old Man made land, the plants and animals that grow on it. When he was done with that he made man in the form of woman and child that were able to reproduce. He taught them how to find food and build tools to hunt. He also created them to die. Regardless of the exact interpretation of the story they share the common theme that Old Man created all things and the law that all things must abide. This story is very similar to tribal creation stories in the eastern United States.
The Sqeilo (Salish) is one of two Salish speaking tribes occupying lands in Western Montana the Pacific Northwest Coast, South Western Canada, Idaho and Wyoming. Believed by anthropologists to have occupied Much of Western North American from British Columbia into Western Montana and Northern Idaho to Eastern Washington over 40,000 years ago. Later history shows the Salish to have migrated further to the east due to pressure from competing tribes migrating in search of lands to hunt, fish and grow food. This coupled with the influence of religious missionaries and colonization by Father De Smet led them to more eastern parts of North America.
The Salish speaking Kootenai and Ktunaxa believe that they were created by the s creator known as Quilxka Nupika and were placed on earth to protect the land and it’s inhabitants. Quilxka Nupika first sent Coyote and Fox to remove the evils of the earth and create tools for man to use. But when man was created Coyote being of devious nature failed to remove the unbecoming attributes that plague man today like anger, and envy. This is why man is not perfect and commits the atrocities that he does. It is also believed that since Quilxka Nupika created everything it is the responsibility of man to respect one another and everything else created. It is told that the Coyote and Fox are always waiting on the edge of the world occupied by Quilxka Nupika and the Earth and that when they cross back over it will be the end of creation.
I wrote about the Salish and Blackfoot tribes because they were common enemies and had very distinct differences in where they came from and what their beliefs were. The Salish were a peaceful tribe that believed in the preservation of the land through stewardship. They often formed alliances with neighboring Nez Perce to Hunt Buffalo and protect themselves from the Blackfoot. They were friendly with white settlers to a fault and were almost driven to extinction due to western white expansion and decimation of Native American Tribes. They were also pushed eastwards by the more aggressive Blackfeet who were know to be the fiercest of tribes of the plains in the West. The Amskapi Pikani (Blackfeet) are believed to have originated in and around the North Easter Part of the US and South Eastern part of Canada where as the Sqeilo (Salish) are known by archeological evidence to have been in the North Western United State and South Western Canada over 9000 years ago. There are few Similarities between the Salish and Blackfeet in terms of creation. They both believe that they were placed or created by a higher power. The Salish believed they were placed here by Quilxka Nupika to protect the land and its inhabitants by living symbiotically to promote the well being of all and the Blackfeet believe they were created by the Sun or “Old Man” out of clay and were taught how to make weapons to fight buffalo and how to find food in the plants and cure disease with the smaller animals that dwelled in the trees and earth. The Blackfoot blame themselves for death because the woman chose to throw a rock that sunk instead of a piece of wood that floated. The Salish believe that death is not the end and that life is circular where in death life begins in another place. The Fox and the Coyote have not crossed back over and until then life will continue. Both tribes appreciate and worship the earth, plants and animals but in different ways. The Salish believes they were placed here to protect all the creatures of earth and the Blackfeet believe that the plants and animals were placed here for them.
Throughout the historical and mythological accounts of each tribe they exhibit a unique and fascinating culture that is embedded in the history of Montana and much of North America. Although I don’t necessarily believe in myth and creation stories there are valuable lessons to be learned from each tribe. They have endured disease, genocide and foreign influence in continuation of their spiritual beliefs that should be revered for their perseverance and dedication to preserving their heritage.
Originally published 15.10.2019