History Of

Siksika Nation

Since time immemorial, the Children of the Plains — the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot People) — have lived in and protected a vast territory. This traditional territory extends from the North Saskatchewan River in present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Yellowstone River in Montana, and from the Continental Divide in the west to Regina, Saskatchewan in the east.

Today, Siksika Nation has a population of approximately 7,800 members and is part of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy. The Confederacy is made up of four Nations:

  • Siksika (Blackfoot)

  • Kainai (Many Chiefs)

  • Apatohsipiikani (Northern Piikani)

  • Amskapi Piikani (Southern Piikani, Montana)

About

Siksika Nation

  • Siksika Nation has a population of approximately 7,800 members. The Nation is located one hour east of Calgary, Alberta, and three kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway #1.
  • The Siksika Nation Tribal Administration and business district are located adjacent to the Town of Gleichen.
  • The language of Siksika Nation is Siksika (Blackfoot), which translates to Blackfoot.
  • Siksika Nation is part of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy, which also includes the Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, and Aamskapi Piikani (Blackfeet Nation, Montana).

Vision Statement

To be a trusted leader in governance, delivering excellent public services that enhance community well-being and secure a resilient future for the Siksika Nation.

Mission Statement

To serve our community by ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the Siksika Nation, supporting our people and protecting our future.



VALUES

  • Respect – We show respect and honor to all.
  • Integrity – We practice integrity in all of our actions (work) honestly and ethically.
  • Humility – We serve with empathy.
  • Accountability – We are responsible for our actions and admit our mistakes..

Pre-Treaty Government

Prior to the 1800s, the Siksika Government was organized into thirty-six (36) clans, representing a population of approximately 18,000 Siksika people. These clans were grouped into three main tribes, each responsible for protecting and maintaining the territorial boundaries of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

  • North Blackfoot camped along the North Saskatchewan River.

  • South Blackfoot safeguarded lands extending as far south as the Missouri River.

  • Middle Blackfoot were responsible for the territory between the Rocky Mountains and the Cypress Hills.

1830

Missionaries came, and influence began within the Siksika (Blackfoot) Confederacy. Indian Affairs in Ottawa ceased being a branch of the military and became part of the Public Service.

1800 - 1882

Raids and wars fought by Siksika War Chiefs of the Confederacy resulted in numerous Chiefs being killed or wounded. Unknown diseases also devastated the Siksika people between 1864 and 1870. Siksika became vulnerable and a subsequent decrease in buffalo added to the hardships of the Chiefs and people.

1874

Whiskey fort built at Blackfoot Crossing. This was the year the N.W.M.P. arrived in the Confederacy’s Territory.

1865

Father Lacombe (R.C. Missionary) first met Chief Crowfoot.

1876

Indian Act of 1876: An Act to amend and consolidate the laws respecting Indians.

1877

Treaty Number 7 was signed at Blackfoot Crossing in Siksika. 

Isapo-muxika – Chief Crowfoot

Isapo-muxika, widely known as Chief Crowfoot, was a respected leader of the Siksika Nation. He was born in 1830 to Istowun-eh’pata (Packs a Knife) and Axkahp-say-pi (Attacked Towards Home) of the Kainai. His father was killed when he was five years old, and following his mother’s remarriage to Akay-nehka-simi (Many Names) of the Siksika, the young boy was adopted into the Siksika Nation.

He received his adult name, Isapo-muxika, meaning “Crow Indian’s Big Foot,” after showing courage and sustaining injury during battle.

Chief Crowfoot became a prominent statesman and diplomat, respected both among his people and by newcomers to the western plains. He played a central role in negotiations between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the federal government and was a key negotiator of Treaty No. 7, signed in 1877.

Coat of Arms

In June 1992, Siksika Nation became the first Nation in Canada to register its symbol as a Coat of Arms with the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Designed by Mark Wolfleg Jr., the Siksika Nation Coat of Arms is officially recorded as Volume One, Number One in the First Nations section.

The design elements of the Coat of Arms hold deep cultural significance:

  • Buffalo – chosen as the symbolic animal of the Siksika, representing the source of food, clothing, and shelter for our ancestors.

  • Arrow in seven pieces – symbolizes the seven traditional societies of the Tribe: The Horn, Crow, Black Soldier, Motoki, Prairie Chicken, Brave Dog, and Ma’tsiyiiks.

  • Medicine pipe and tomahawk – the medicine pipe symbolizes peace, crossing over the tomahawk, the weapon of war that was put to rest forever.

  • Circles – represent the lasting duration of Treaty 7, signed by Chief Crowfoot on September 22, 1877, with the promise that the Treaty would remain “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the water flows.”