Stories and Legends

Blood Legend

Early legends tell of a Blackfoot who visited a Kainaiwa (Blood) camp. He asked, "Who is the Chief here?" When the men nearby heard this question they all answered "I am." The Blackfoot then stated, "I will call you the tribe of Many Chiefs." This was how they received the name Kainai (from Aka-many and Nina-chief). The reference to Blood came from the first traders as a result of red ochre, which they used to paint their faces and ceremonial objects.

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