For the first time:
the Blackfoot people share their world

In Nitsitapiisinni: The Story of the Blackfoot, the long awaited new title from Firefly Books, the Blackfoot community discusses the importance of uniting ancient traditions with modern challenges in order for their legacy to survive. 

The product of an innovative partnership between the Glenbow Museum and a team of elders and spiritual leaders from the Blackfoot community, Nitsitapiisinni: The Story of the Blackfoot shares the Blackfoot people's history, traditions, beliefs and artifacts. It is, in fact, the first piece of permanent documentation written by the leaders of the Blackfoot community about their lives, both past and present.

"This book shares the relationships between the four bands of the Blackfoot and the territory they occupied. The stories we share provide the origins of our values, teachings, beliefs and spirituality. It is our story, in our words, as we know it to be," writes Earl Old Person, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Council.  Indeed, educators will appreciate how this unique resource chronicles all the important aspects of Blackfoot life and history, including:

• the fundamental belief systems of the Blackfoot, including their traditional stories, sacred places, dances and ceremonies

• the emphasis the Blackfoot place on strong relationships being key to their survival and on shaping the roles of men, women, children and elders

• the land where the Blackfoot have always lived

• the Blackfoot peoples' sacred connection to nature and their environment

• the difficult relations between the Blackfoot people and the governments of the United States and Canada. 

Abundantly illustrated with a wealth of photographs, fact-filled photo captions, illustrations, maps and drawing, Nitsitapiisinni: The Story of the Blackfoot also features side-bars throughout. These spotlight important quotes from Blackfoot peoples such as Louise Crop Eared Wolf who wrote, "When we pray, we call upon the sun, the moon, the stars, the Milky Way, the earth and everything in it." A valuable glossary of Blackfoot terms completes this must-have resource for both native and non-native people alike.

As Earl Old Person writes, "Our ability to adapt to the environment and to change is infinite and assures our survival. The struggles Indian people went through to survive assimilation by the United States and Canadian governments have made us stronger and it is through this experience that we can conquer the obstacles ahead."