The Blackfeet Nation

The panel counts three tribes. The Blackfoot Confederacy's own council counts four nations, because the Piikani are two: the Apatosi Piikani, or Peigan Nation, in Alberta, and the Aamskapi Pikuni, the Blackfeet Nation, in Montana. With them stand the Kainaiwa, or Blood Tribe, and the Siksika. Together they call themselves Niitsitapi, the real people, and their homeland Kitaowahsinnoon. The council puts the Aamskapi Pikuni at about 17,300 members, governed from Browning, with kin among the three Alberta nations across a border drawn through the confederacy's country.

What the plaque says

The Blackfeet Nation The Blackfeet Nation consists of three tribes, the Pikunis or Piegans, the Bloods and the Blackfoot. Each tribe is divided into clans marking blood relationship. The majority of the Indians on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation are Piegans. Many years ago, the Blackfeet ranged from north of Edmonton, Alberta to the Yellowstone River and into southwestern Montana and western Wyoming. They were quick to resent and avenge insult or wrong, but powerful and loyal allies when their friendship was won. The Piegans were greatly feared by early American trappers and settlers because of the vigor with which they defended their hereditary hunting grounds from encroachment. No tribe ever exceeded them in bravery. Proud of their lineage and history they have jealously preserved their tribal customs and traditions. The Piegans have produced many great orators, artists, warriors, educators, and statesmen. Browning has been the agency for the Blackfeet tribe since 1895 when it was moved to this place from Badger Creek, fifteen miles south of here. Once the site of Joe Kipp's trading post, the community is named for one-time Commissioner of Indian Affairs D.M. Browning. In addition to government offices and a thriving commercial district, Browning is the home of the Blackfeet Community College.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Museum of the Plains Indian — 1.5 mi
  A federal museum on the Blackfeet Reservation whose walls were painted by a Blackfeet muralist in its first year.
• Running Eagle Falls — 16 mi
  A double waterfall in Two Medicine named for Pitamakan, the Blackfeet woman who led war parties.

More markers nearby

• Camp Disappointment — 10 mi
• Chief Mountain and Old North Trail — 11 mi
• Old Agency 1880-1894 — 16 mi
• The Lewis Overthrust Fault and Marias Pass — 22 mi