Adaptive strategies
The Blackfeet were very nomadic before getting put onto reservations. They would follow the herds of buffalo and hunt them along with other animals. They had many strategies for hunting herds of animals. These methods included surrounding the herds with horses or fire, forcing the animals down a clidd, and also trapping them with some sort of fencing.
They lived in teepees and migrated with the seasons. They originally made the teepees out of buffalo hide but switched the canvas when the buffalo grew scarce. When migrating, they originally used wolf-like and coyote-like dogs to help transport their belongings. After the Spanish arrived around the mid-1700’s, the Blackfeet quickly adapted to using horses instead of dogs to carry their goods when traveling.
The Blackfeet migrated with the seasons and set up camps in areas in which the resources were high. These resources included buffalo, most importantly, as well as other animals, plants, and minerals. When the tribe would move camps, it was the women’s responsibility to pack up and move the camp. This included loading the goods on the horses and taking down the teepee hides or canvas, along with making everyone meals. They would often times plant things before moving to the next camp, that way it would be ready to harvest when they return the next year; some of the men would return throughout the year if the plants needed to be tended to. Some of these items included tobacco, beans, pumpkins, squash, and more.
The Blackfeet have different clothing for the women , men, and the Chief. The clothing would be made out of Deerskin. For the women clothing is styled into a dress and for the men a tunic with leggings. The decoration that is added on to the clothing is made out of porcupine’s quills, beads, and elks teeth. The chief wears a feathery headdress to signify his authority.
Economy
Once before the Blackfoot would rely hunting and from what was hunted down they will produce goods for their tribe. And they would also rely on other goods such as tools, alcohol and weapons and something that they themselves have produced. They would trade with other groups that were among the 3 Blackfoot tribe at the time that was more common than trading with other groups. Now on their reservation the Blackfoot have a plant where they manufacture writing utensils such as pencils, pens and markers. They also have other businesses that operate under Siyeh Development, Inc. The Blackfoot are also in charge of 8 lakes and fishing streams, Tribal permits are required though. They have four campgrounds and they also have guides available through fish, Wildlife and parks.
Distribution/Exchange
Once the white settlers came, the Blackfeet then had people to trade with. Then men of the tribe would go out and hunt and then trade with the whites. Some of these items included hides from wolves, buffalo, skunks, and antelopes. They would also trade the fur of animals. The items they received in return included alcohol, clothes, food, tools, and weapons (bows, arrows, guns, etc.)
The Blackfoot Nation 