Beliefs
The Blackfoot-speaking people call themselves Niitsitapi which means “Real People” and distinguishes human beings from the rest of Creation.
Another strong belief of the Blackfoot tribe is Ihtsipaitapiyopa (The Essence of All Life) meaning that all living things are equal; human beings do not have the right to rule over or exploit the rest of nature. All living beings are equals with unique gifts and abilities. Some plants can cure diseases; other gives us important nutrients.
One of the main celebrations if the Blackfoot tribe is The Sundance, It is performed once each year during the summer. The Blackfoot Sun Dance included the following: (1) moving the camp on four successive days; (2) on the fifth day, building the medicine lodge, transferring bundles to the medicine woman, and offering of gifts by children and adults in ill health; (3) on the sixth day, dancing toward the sun, blowing eagle-bone whistles, and self-torture; (4) on the remaining four days, performing various ceremonies involving men of the tribe.
In the picture above volunteers chose to accept self-imposed pain in order to have a personal vision. It was hoped that the Great Spirit would save the tribe from future suffering. ( Part of the Sundance Celebration)
Another strong belief of the Blackfoot tribe is Ihtsipaitapiyopa (The Essence of All Life) meaning that all living things are equal; human beings do not have the right to rule over or exploit the rest of nature. All living beings are equals with unique gifts and abilities. Some plants can cure diseases; other gives us important nutrients.
One of the main celebrations if the Blackfoot tribe is The Sundance, It is performed once each year during the summer. The Blackfoot Sun Dance included the following: (1) moving the camp on four successive days; (2) on the fifth day, building the medicine lodge, transferring bundles to the medicine woman, and offering of gifts by children and adults in ill health; (3) on the sixth day, dancing toward the sun, blowing eagle-bone whistles, and self-torture; (4) on the remaining four days, performing various ceremonies involving men of the tribe.
In the picture above volunteers chose to accept self-imposed pain in order to have a personal vision. It was hoped that the Great Spirit would save the tribe from future suffering. ( Part of the Sundance Celebration)