June is Indigenous Month

Historical Highlight

Week 2: The Impact of Smallpox

The smallpox epidemic of 1781-82, carried north by southern tribes, decimated the Indigenous population of Alberta. The disease spread rapidly, killing between half to two-thirds of the population within present-day Alberta

Additional Fact: Smallpox was so virulent that it could live on corpses and dry goods for weeks, making it highly contagious even without direct contact

In Canada, June is designated as National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. National Indigenous.

The Cardston & District Historical Society recognizes that we live and work on the beautiful traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Our mission is to tell inspiring stories of the people of this district, which is a small part of the territory of the Kainai ( Blood) and Piikani (Peigan) Tribes.

In addition to always recognizing the land and life given to those who live here, two legged, four legged, winged and all that The Creator’s holds sacred, during this month we will tell stories that we hope will give you a greater appreciation for those who have lived here from time immemorial.

Peoples Day is also observed on June 21st. 

Did you know?

The Blackfoot Confederacy

The Blackfoot Confederacy, known as the Niitsitapi or Siksikaitsitapi, consists of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani nations. The Blackfeet people of Northern Montana are family and many consider them part of the Kainai Th.ey traditionally lived in the semi-arid shortgrass prairie region and were skilled buffalo hunters. The Confederacy's territory spanned parts of southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and much of Montana..

The Blackfoot Confederacy was known for its complex social structures, including the use of a council of chiefs to make important decisions