Niitsitapi - Blackfeet
THE PEOPLE
The reservation is home to the Blackfeet tribe. Of the approximately 15,560 enrolled tribal members, there are about 7,000 living on or near the reservation. Nearly 27 percent of enrolled members are of three-fourths or greater Indian blood.
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
A manufacturing plant on the reservation produces pencils, pens and markers. Several other businesses operate under Siyeh Development, Inc. (www.siyehdevelopment.com). 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 four campgrounds.
Blackfeet Nation
P.O. Box 2809Browning, MT 59417
406-338-7406 or 406-338-7181
Fax: 406-338-7206
www.blackfeetnation.com
POINTS OF INTEREST
Museum of the Plains Indian
The museum exhibits the creative achievements of North American artists and craftspeople. A permanent exhibit displays artifacts of the Northern Plains Indians, and two special galleries feature changing presentations. The museum also houses a gift shop.
U.S. 89 Browning406-338-2230
Blackfeet Community College
Two-year associate's degrees are offered in the Arts and Sciences. Major expansion is underway.
Browning406-338-5441
www.bfcc.org
Blackfeet Cultural History Tours
The tour feature half- and full-day tours of the Blackfeet Nation with historic and cultural points of interest.
406-338-2787www.blackfeetculturecamp.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Blackfeet Reservation Attractions
