Indigenous Lethbridge

The History and Importance of The Blackfoot Territories

The City of Lethbridge rests on the ancestral land of the Blackfoot and Indigenous people of Canada. Lethbridge is in Treaty 7 territory as well as a part of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

This land has sustained and supported the lives and culture of all Indigenous people since long before we began tracking our history. To learn more about the territory and how it supports the cultural and historical practices of the Blackfoot people of Canada, read Rebecca Many Grey Horses' article on the importance of this territory to Blackfoot culture.

Indigenous Attractions — Where to Begin

Lethbridge is at the heart of 4 remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not surprisingly, these locations are also landmarks to the Blackfoot people. For an introduction into Indigenous history and culture, we recommend a visit to Estipah-skikikini-kots (Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump). A landmark such as Ninastako (Chief Mountain) defines the drive from Lethbridge to Paahtómahksik (Waterton Lakes National Park). A guided walking tour at Áísínai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) will give you much better understanding of the ancient rock art found there.

• Estipah-skikikini-kots (Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump)

• Paahtómahksik (Waterton Lakes)

• Writing-on-Stone (Áísínai'pi)

• Omahkai’stoo (Crowsnest Peak)

More Indigenous Resources

This page will continue to grow and develop. Here are more links to outside sources involved in Blackfoot history and culture and Indigenous Tourism.

• Blackfoot Crossing — a worthy detour between Lethbridge and Calgary

• Indigenous Tourism Alberta

• University of Lethbridge Blackfoot Digital Library — excellent language and archive resource

• Destination Indigenous — Canadian Pow Wow Finder

• Alberta Indigenous Tourism Packages

• Glenbow Blackfoot Culture and History