Blackfeet Eco Knowledge

06/04/2026

👣 Oyiss Blackfeet Language Project 👣

We are seeking 10 expectant Blackfeet mothers to join a first-of-its-kind language immersion journey beginning in utero (before birth) and continuing through the age of 3.

✨ Participants will:
• Learn and use Blackfeet language beginning in utero
• Help imprint babies with Blackfeet language, teachings, and values from the very beginning
• Learn directly from 1st-generation fluent Blackfeet speakers (grandmothers), and knowledge keepers
• Participate in songs, storytelling, cultural teachings, and ceremonies
• Make traditional cradleboards and swings while learning their cultural significance
• Take part in a naming ceremony at birth
• Help create the next generation of Blackfeet language speakers

Research shows that the earliest stages of life are a crucial period for language development. Babies begin hearing and recognizing sounds while still in the womb, making pregnancy an important time to introduce Blackfeet language and help build familiarity with its sounds, rhythm, and pronunciation before birth. By surrounding babies with the language in utero, we can help prime them to learn and retain the language more easily throughout their developmental years.

📍 Program Commitment:
• 3-year participation commitment
• Sessions held twice per month
• Approximately 1–2 hour sessions
• Meals provided
• Participation in program activities and ceremonies

We are looking for mothers who are approximately 5–6 months pregnant or further along and interested in being part of this important language revitalization effort.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or apply here:
https://forms.gle/dMeCp6zvspBzMso9A

For questions or more information:
📧 Tedi Burns – [email protected]
📧 Brantlee Fish – [email protected]

Please share with any expectant Blackfeet mothers who may be interested. Together, we can help raise the next generation of Blackfeet speakers and ensure our language continues to thrive for generations to come. ❤️

05/21/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Piikani Archaeological Conference is complete, and the conference is officially wrapped. 🤚🏼❤️

Thank you to our Day 2 speakers: Lily Gladstone, Dr. Trevor Peck, Dr. Lindsey Amundson-Meyer, Arnold “Smoke” Elser, Joyce & Dr. Tarissa Spoonhunter, Kendall Edmo, and Dr. Karla Bird for sharing your knowledge, stories, research, and insight with us.

A special thank you to our M.C.’s, Kent Ayoungman and Pat Armstrong Jr., for helping guide another meaningful day.

Huge shout out to the UC staff for taking such great care of us, and to UM Catering for the delicious meals, snacks, and hospitality throughout these two days.

A heartfelt thank you to Iron Shirt Culture & Heritage Society and staff, Blackfeet THPO and staff, The University of Montana and staff, our BEK staff, and all facilitators and coordinators who helped plan, support, and carry out this event.

And lastly, thank you to everyone who showed up and supported this conference. We had an amazing turnout, and we are so grateful to have shared these two meaningful days together. 👣

05/20/2026

Day One of the 2026 Piikani Archaeological Conference. This conference is a collaborative effort between Blackfeet Eco Knowledge, Iron Shirt Culture & Heritage Society, Blackfeet Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and the University of Montana. 👣❤️

Thank you to our Day One speakers: Provost Dr. Adrea Lawrence, John Murray, Jerry Potts, Tyson & Dr. Lona Running Wolf, Troy Crow Shoe, Gheri Hall, Dr. Maria Zedeño, Shannon Gilbert, Dr. Haley Omeasoo, UM’s NAGPRA Team, Rodney “Minnow” Gervais, and Kent Ayoungman for helping make this such a meaningful and inspiring day. A special shoutout to our MCs, Pat Armstrong Jr. and Kent Ayoungman.

It was amazing to see how archaeology has and continues to serve our people in so many powerful ways through research, film, technology, science, art, forensics, and cultural preservation. Thank you all for sharing your work, knowledge, and insight with us. We’re so excited for tomorrow! ✨

05/05/2026

Blackfeet Eco Knowledge was honored to attend the Blackfoot Guardians Gathering 2026 alongside leadership, Elders, youth, and partners from across the Confederacy. 👣

Over two days, important conversations took place around land stewardship, water protection, conservation, restoration efforts, and the shared responsibility of caring for our homelands for future generations. We loved hearing everyone’s words, knowledge, and experiences, while having the opportunity to share our own work and perspectives. 🪶

We are proud of our BEK Shield Keepers (Guardians) that were in attendance—Curtis Yazzie, Tyson RunningWolf, and Ethan RunningCrane. We are equally proud of those who were not in attendance but continue to be part of the important Shield Keeper work with BEK, including Brantlee Fish, Emmette Dustybull, former Shield Keeper graduate Darrell Hall, and our 2025 BEK Shield Keeper interns—C.J. Smith, Tucker Juneau, Jeffrey Deroche, and Kolton RunningCrane. We also want to recognize Blackfeet Film Shield Keeper Chase Hall, who continues to support this work through film and storytelling.

We want to give a shoutout to our fellow Blackfeet Guardians that were in attendance—Guardian Ryan RunningCrane with the Blackfeet Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Guardian Ryan RunningWolf with Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife, and Elders John and Carol Murray with the Blackfeet Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

A special thank you to the Blackfoot Confederacy for bringing together the northern Guardians of the Confederacy and creating space for these important conversations and shared learning.✋🏼❤️

04/07/2026

The Piikani Archeological Conference planning committee is excited to announce that Lily Gladstone has graciously agreed to do the welcome for day two of the conference. Make sure you are registered, there is limited space and all participants must be registered to attend. Please check out our website for hotel block information and to see the agenda.

https://www.umt.edu/piikani-archaeological-conference/

03/31/2026

We’re excited to announce our Train the Blackfeet Trainer program 🌿

This 12-month program focuses on learning and sharing the Blackfoot Way of Life curriculum, guided by Blackfoot Knowledge Keepers. You’ll gain hands-on cultural skills, language, and the tools to teach this curriculum in our community.

✨ Free for selected participants (all supplies provided)
📍 In-person in Browning, MT (specific location TBD)

The first class will be announced via email to selected participants.

👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUlygGNm_YBYb4LAg8ExFmiO1aham-6ovNLndJBn21UU2QBA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104679197772887671874

📩 Questions? Contact Tedi at [email protected]

03/27/2026

Notice: There is enough space for 15 vendors. There is no fee for the vending. Please contact Troy at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Hotel blocks have been secured and will be available on your registration page.

03/14/2026

12/12/2025

The Blackfeet Nation is working with the National Indian Carbon Coalition (NICC) to increase forest resiliency, promote a diversity of tree age classes in th...

12/06/2025

We’re excited to share a look at our recent four-week Cradleboard Class. Over the course of six sessions, nine participants worked hard, and created beautiful cradleboards (a few cradleboards aren’t pictured).

Cradleboards represent more than a project. They reflect the same idea as the womb and the home: a safe, loving place for our children to grow and feel protected. This class was about helping families build that space and reconnect with teachings that have supported our people for generations.

A big thank-you to Susan Webber for guiding and teaching this class, and to all of the participants who put their heart into their work. And a special thank-you to Tedi, our project coordinator, for getting this class going, and helping everything run smoothly.

We’re grateful to continue offering programs that strengthen culture, community, and connection. 🧡