Blackfeet Nation
THE PEOPLE
The reservation is home to the Blackfeet tribe. Of the approximately 17,250 enrolled tribal members, there are about 9,000 living on or near the reservation. The present day Blackfeet are descended from tribes known as the Blackfeet (Siksika), Kainah or Bloods, and Piegans, all of Algonquin linguistic stock. These three tribes shared a common culture, spoke the same language and held a common territory. The Blackfeet Indians are commonly thought to have acquired their name because of the characteristic black color of their moccasins, painted or darkened with ashes.
LOCATION
The Blackfeet Reservation is in northwestern Montana along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Its one-and-a-half million acres are bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by Glacier National Park.
ECONOMY
In recent years all agencies on the Blackfeet Reservation have pulled together to address the unemployment issue. In 1999 the Tribe formed an economic development corporation to establish enterprises that help create jobs and boost the economy. Currently Siyeh Development Corporation has started several enterprises which employs over 200 people. The enterprises include Glacier Peaks Casino, Lil Peaks Casino, Glacier Family Foods Store, Starlink Cable, Oki Communications, Blackfeet Heritage Center and the Holiday Inn Express. Major uses of the land are ranching and farming. The principle crops are wheat, barley and hay. There are eight major lakes and 175 miles of fishing streams. Tribal permits are required and guides are available through Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The tribe operates five campgrounds.