The Blackfoot Gallery Committee. The story of the Blackfoot people; Nitsitapiisinni.

Firefly. 88p. illus. c2001. 1-55297-583-5. $15.95.

This slim book, colorful with photographs, grew out of an exhibit about the Blackfoot Indians at the Glenbow Museum at Calgary, Alberta. Blackfoot traditionalists, using "we" throughout, tell the story of their four bands in short essays and in the informative captions that accompany the photographs. They treat culture, tribal history, art and crafts, religion and sacred places, social relationships, and philosophy. The historical Blackfoot territory, of which they had long been protective, extends through both the U.S. and Canada. The conflicts that have accompanied the coming of the Europeans, which have caused much pain and dislocation, figure large in their story. Governments of both countries, in sending out armies, creating reserves (Canadian) and reservations (U.S.), establishing schools and churches, asserting the authority of Indian agents, and buying land for money, have endeavored to force changes of all kinds. Now, there are efforts to preserve historical details and the native culture and to teach the Blackfoot young and others their almost-extinct language. The inclusion of many Blackfoot words slows the reading a bit for most non-Indian readers, but it gives the book an authentic flavor. A glossary helps. A good choice for museums and libraries with Native American collections. Edna M. Boardman, Minot, ND