Blackfoot Crossing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blackfoot Crossing, Treaty No. 7 Signing Site, Earthlodge Village
Location	Alberta, Canada
Nearest city	Siksika 146
Original use	First Nations site
Current use	Museum
Governing body	Siksika Nation
Important events	Signing of Treaty 7
National Historic Site of Canada
Designated	1925, 1925, 1972

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is a special place in Alberta, Canada. It's a group of historic sites located on the Siksika 146 reserve. This area, where the Bow River could be crossed, was a traditional spot for the Siksika people. They and their friends in the Blackfoot Confederacy used to hunt bison and gather here. The closest towns are Cluny and Gleichen.

Treaty 7: A Historic Agreement

This crossing became a very important place in Canadian history. In 1877, Treaty 7 was signed here. This agreement was between the native nations of what is now southern Alberta and the Canadian government. It was signed on behalf of the Crown.

Important Leaders and Burials

Many important events happened at Blackfoot Crossing. Crowfoot, a respected chief of the Siksika, is believed to have died and been buried here. Also, Poundmaker, a Cree chief, was buried here for a time. Crowfoot had adopted Poundmaker to help create peace between the Blackfoot and the Cree people. Poundmaker's remains were later moved in 1967.

Becoming a National Historic Site

Because of its importance, the traditional gathering site and the treaty signing spot were declared National Historic Sites of Canada in 1925. This was done by the Canadian government's Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Later, in 1972, an ancient earthlodge village nearby was also named a national historic site.

A Royal Visit and New Park

In 1977, Prince Charles visited Blackfoot Crossing. He helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Treaty 7. This visit was a big success. After that, the Siksika council decided to build a historical and tourist attraction here. They started raising money and making plans.

In 2007, the historical park officially opened. It includes an interpretive centre where you can learn about the history. There are also monuments to Poundmaker, Crowfoot, and Treaty 7. You can see remains of tipis, walk on hiking trails, and visit the earthlodge village site.

This plaque marks Blackfoot Crossing as a National Historic Site.

The Ancient Earthlodge Village

Near the crossing, you can find the remains of an ancient earthlodge village. Experts believe people from the Upper Mississippi River valley in the United States built it. This village is special because it shows a permanent settlement on the plains. This area is usually known for nomadic hunting groups.

Unique on the Canadian Prairies

The earthlodge village at Blackfoot Crossing is the only one of its kind known on the Canadian Prairies. However, similar villages are common in parts of the United States. We don't know for sure who built this village. But archaeological evidence suggests it was founded around 1740 CE. It might have been built by a group of migrating Mandan people or their friends, the Hidatsa. This could have been before the Hidatsa and Crow people separated.