Parfleche Bag (Soo’tsii’man in Blackfoot)

This was the Blackfoot’s version of a suitcase. The parfleche was generally used to carry clothing and food items. Before the horse, tanned hides were used to create the parfleche, but after the horse arrived, rawhide was used. The rawhide version was more durable and often painted with intricate geometrical designs.

Peigan Nation

Southern most nation within the Blackfoot Confederacy. The tribe in Canada is referred to as the North Peigans, while those in Montana are known as the South Peigans. By themselves, the Northern Peigans are the smallest Blackfoot tribe to sign a treaty with the Canadian government. However, together with their fellow Peigans in Montana they form the largest tribe within the Confederacy.

Pemmican

A food product made from dried meat, dried berries and fat.

Portage

A carrying of boats, canoes and provisions over land from one stretch of water to another; the route followed in making such a transfer; the labour of carrying or transporting; to move or carry gear over a portage.

Pow-wow

A modern phenomenon, the Pow-wow is a social gathering that allows participants an opportunity to socialize, dance, gamble and reaffirm their cultural identity in a modern context. The Pow-wow generates community pride, uniting the different groups of First Nations people.