A History of Blackfoot Clothing

Rebecca Many Grey Horses explains the historical changes and adaptation of the Niitsitapi, Blackfoot, clothing. Learn about how the creation of Niitsitapi clothing materials and styles changed from pre-colonization through the fur trade era into the reservation period. Niitsitapi were versatile in making their clothing from materials that were available, taking great pride in their artistic skills but also using spiritual symbols on their clothing. Today, those designs still exist and are passed from generation to generation. The styles impact the powwow regalia that Niitsitapi dancers wear to dance today, as they continue to adopt and adapt traditional and historical clothing and styles.

The Galt is grateful to the subject-matter experts delivering online content. As local professionals and knowledge experts, these presenters add valuable contributions to the local discourse; however, their ideas are their own. The people featured in the videos and those behind the scenes followed best practices to protect their health and safety.