Blackfoot way of life

reconnecting through culture

The Blackfoot Way of Life Project was created to strengthen cultural identity and connection through Blackfeet teachings, ceremony, land-based learning, language, and traditional practices. The project recognizes cultural connectedness as a source of strength, resilience, healing, and identity, while creating opportunities for Blackfeet people to learn directly from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, and one another.

At the center of the project is a series of Blackfoot Way of Life modules that are open to the public, making cultural learning opportunities accessible to the broader community. BEK also partners with the Blackfeet Healing to Wellness Court's Mio'ohpokoiksi Juvenile Program and Kaamotaanii Adult Program, whose participants and families move through the curriculum as part of a culturally based, holistic approach to healing and reducing recidivism.

a journey through the Blackfoot way of life

The Blackfoot Way of Life curriculum follows the journey of Scarface, which represents the human journey for Blackfeet people. Over the course of the curriculum, participants move through interconnected teachings, ceremonies, cultural practices, and land-based experiences designed to strengthen identity and connection.

The journey begins by understanding historical trauma and its impacts on individuals, families, and the Blackfeet community—and why reconnecting with cultural identity is an important part of healing. Participants then learn directly from Elders and Knowledge Keepers about Blackfeet values, resilience, healing practices, language, relationships with the land, and ways of living that have supported our people for generations.

our modules include

historical trauma & healing

Understanding the past while building pathways toward cultural connection and resilience.

ELDER TEACHINGS

Learning Blackfeet values, principles, healing methods, stories, and knowledge directly from Knowledge Keepers.

ceremony & spirituality

Opportunities to learn about and, when appropriate, participate in cultural practices such as naming, painting, and sweats.

land based learning

Reconnecting with the land, animals, plants, and the relationships that are central to Blackfeet ways of knowing.

Blackfeet language

Strengthening the connection between language, culture, identity, and worldview.

ARTISTIC & CULTURAL SKILLS

Learning from Blackfeet artists through activities such as moccasin making, cradleboard making, parfleche work, and other traditional arts.

cultural learning for the community

While the Blackfoot Way of Life curriculum is an important part of BEK's partnership with the Blackfeet Healing to Wellness Court, Way of Life modules are also open to the public. This allows community members and families beyond the court programs to participate in cultural learning opportunities alongside one another.

By opening these experiences to the community, BEK creates spaces where cultural knowledge isn't limited to a single program or group. Elders and Knowledge Keepers can share with people of different ages and backgrounds, families can learn together, and participants can carry what they learn back into their homes and community.

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train the Blackfeet trainer

Train the Blackfeet Trainer is a 12-month paid program focused on learning and sharing the Blackfoot Way of Life curriculum. Guided by Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers, participants deepen their own cultural knowledge while developing the skills and confidence needed to carry these teachings into public and community settings.

Participants meet twice each month, with hands-on cultural learning incorporated throughout the program. Training is provided at no cost to selected participants, and supplies are provided so that access to materials does not become a barrier to learning.