<Tr> <Th> Membership </Th> <Td> North Peigan, South Peigan, Kainai, Siksika Later: Sarcee, Gros Ventres </Td> </Tr> <P> The Confederacy had a territory that stretched from the North Saskatchewan River (called Ponoká'sisaahta) along what is now Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada, to the Yellowstone River (called Otahkoiitahtayi) of Montana in the United States, and from the Rocky Mountains (called Miistakistsi) and along the South Saskatchewan River to the present Alberta - Saskatchewan border (called Kaayihkimikoyi), east past the Cypress Hills . They called their tribal territory Niitsitpiis - stahkoii (ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ) - "Original People s Land ." To the east, the Innu and Naskapi called their territory Nitassinan--"Our Land ." They had adopted the use of the horse from other Plains tribes, probably by the early eighteenth century, which gave them expanded range and mobility, as well as advantages in hunting . </P> <P> The basic social unit of the Niitsitapi above the family was the band, varying from about 10 to 30 lodges, about 80 to 241 people . (European Canadians and Americans mistakenly referred to all the Niitsitapi nations as "Blackfoot", but only one nation was called Siksika or Blackfoot .) This size group was large enough to defend against attack and to undertake communal hunts, but was also small enough for flexibility . Each band consisted of a respected leader, possibly his brothers and parents, and others who were not related . Since the band was defined by place of residence, rather than by kinship, a person was free to leave one band and join another, which tended to ameliorate leadership disputes . As well, should a band fall upon hard times, its members could split up and join other bands . In practice, bands were constantly forming and breaking up . The system maximized flexibility and was an ideal organization for a hunting people on the northwestern Great Plains . </P> <P> During the summer, the people assembled for nation gatherings . In these large assemblies, warrior societies played an important role for the men . Membership into these societies was based on brave acts and deeds . </P>

Where did the blackfoot tribe get their name