Blackfeet Indian Research

This page has a collection of information, databases, and links which are meant to help you in your research for your Blackfeet ancestors.

Siksika (‘black feet’, from siksinam ‘black’, ka the root of oqkatsh, ‘foot’. The origin of the name is disputed, but it is commonly believed to have reference to the discoloring of their moccasins by the ashes of the prairie fires; it may possibly have reference to black-painted moccasins such as were worn by the Pawnee, Sihasapa, and other tribes). An important Algonquian confederacy of the northern plains, consisting of three subtribes, the Siksika proper or Blackfeet, the Kainah or Bloods, and the Piegan, the whole body being popularly known as Blackfeet. In close alliance with these are the Atsina and the Sarsi. Read more about Blackfeet Tribe History

Biographies

• Native American Biographies

Bureau of Indian Affairs

• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• A Guide to Tracing your Indian Ancestry(PDF)
• Tribal Leaders Directory
• Recognized Indian Entities, 10/2010 Update (PDF)

Cemeteries

• Indian Cemeteries (hosted at AccessGenealogy)

Census

• Free US Indian Census Rolls 1885-1940
• Ancestry – US Indian Census Schedules 1885-1940
• Indian Census Records (hosted at AccessGenealogy)
• Indians in the 11th (1890) Census of the United States

Federally Recognized Tribes or Nations

• Blackfeet Nation
  1 Agency Square
  Browning, MT 59417
  • Our History
  • Blackfeet Genealogy
  • Our Culture & Way of Life
  • History Timeline

Genealogy Help Pages

• Proving Your Indian Ancestry
• Indian Genealogy
• DNA- Testing for your Native American Ancestry
• How to Write a Genealogical Query

 Indian History

• Following hosted at AccessGenealogy
  • Blackfeet Indian History
  • Daily Life and Customs
  • How they Lived
  • Hunting Customs
  • Tribe in War
  • Medicine and Healing
  • Past and Present
  • Religion
  • Social Organization
• The Other Blackfoot Tribe (hosted at Saponi Town)
• Along trails Followed by Lewis & Clark (hosted at Trailtribes.org)
• Blackfoot ConfederacyHomelandBlackfeet Indians (hosted at PBS)

Home Page Links

Legends and Stories

• Adventures of Bull Turns Round
• Origin Of The Medicine Lodge
• Origin of the Medicine Pipe
• The Bad Wife
• The Blackfoot Genesis
• The Other Bands
• The Theft from the Sun
• Two War Trails

Land and Maps

• Changes to Blackfoot Reservation
• Indian Reservation History

Language

• Blackfoot Language (Siksika, Peigan, Piegan, Kainai, Blackfeet)
• The Blackfoot Syllabary (hosted at Omniglot Writing Systems)
• Blackfoot Syllabarium (hosted at Chris Harvey’s Native Language, Font, and Keyboard Page)
• Sign Language Among North American Indians

Military

• Indian Wars, Conflicts and Disturbances 1614-1893
• Indians Who Served in the War (WWII)
• Native American Medal of Honor Recipients (hosted at US Army Center of Military History)

Reservations

• Heart Butte District, Blackfeet Indian Reservation (hosted at Native American Genealogy)

Schools

• Hampton School Records
• Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute
• Indian Schools, Seminaries and Asylums

 Indian Treaties

• Indian Treaties, Acts and Agreements
• Signers of Native American Treaties, Indian, Military and Guests

 Suggested Reading

• Blackfoot Lodge Tales
  This collection of powerful stories reveals the wondrous world of the Blackfoot nation in the nineteenth century. Transcribed by George Bird Grinnell, the thirty tales provide an intimate look into Blackfoot culture and remind us of tribal values to be upheld and taught. Classic tales of adventure speak of deeds accomplished, and cultural heroes roam across an arresting Native landscape. Ancient stories, captured in oral tradition, cast the shadow of the Blackfoot people far into the past and provide meaning for their lives in the present. The final section of this book is an insightful overview of the history and culture of the Blackfoot Nation. First published in 1892, Blackfoot Lodge Tales is based on George Bird Grinnell’s personal interactions with the Blackfoot people.

 

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