Keywords Born in 1830 Native Political Leaders

After the Blackfoot settled on their reserve in 1881, Crowfoot became disillusioned with the Canadian government, but he refused to allow his people to join the 1885 NORTH-WEST REBELLION, less out of loyalty to the government than from the belief that it was a losing fight. Sick during his last decade, he constantly mourned the loss of his children, of whom only one blind son and 3 daughters reached maturity. Near death, he is quoted as saying, "What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time. It is as the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."

Crowfoot
Crowfoot, head chief of the Blackfoot, 1887 (courtesy Glenbow Archives/NA-3700-3).

Crowfoot and Family
Crowfoot (centre) with his family in 1884 (courtesy Glenbow Archives/NA-1480-31).

Author HUGH A. DEMPSEY

Suggested Reading
Hugh A. Dempsey, Crowfoot (1988).

Links to Other Sites
Issap'mahkikaaw (Crowfoot)
This biography of Blackfoot chief Issap'mahkikaaw (Crowfoot)details his relationship with the Hudson’s Bay Company, white fur-traders, missionaries, and more. From the "Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online."

Edgar Dewdney
An extensive biography of Edgar Dewdney, civil engineer, contractor, politician, office holder, and lieutenant governor. Provides details about his involvement with Indian and Métis communities in the North-West Territories, the settlement of the West, the construction of the transcontinental railway, and related events. From the “Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.”

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and extensive learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.