Somewhere south of the Red Deer River in the early 1820’s the legendary chief Crowfoot was born. He was descried a striking looking man with penetrating eyes, chiseled features and long unbraided hair, had a dignified bearing.
On Sept. 22, 1877 the great chief spoke in favor of treaty Number seven in front of nearly 5 thousand Indians from 4 tribes, and the government negotiation team. Crowfoot had the respect of all, and the history changing treaty was signed. He also sent messages to the Bloods and Piegans of the Blackfoot's intentions. Despite his neutrality, Crowfoot encouraged his people to help any refugee Crees passing through Blackfoot land.
Crowfoot lost most of his children to smallpox and tuberculosis. In his final years, he traveled among the First Nations tribes in Canada and Montana as a peacemaker in tribal disputes.
In 1890 after Crowfoot developed a severe case of Pneumonia, Dr. Henry George prescribed a mustard Poultice and some Brandy. Crowfoot agreed to the poultice but refused the brandy, because the affect he’d seen liquor have on his people.
Crowfoot died April 25, 1890 and at his death, his best horse was shot so that he would have a horse to ride when he reached the "sand hills".
Crowfoot, a renowned warrior, leader, diplomat, orator and principled man, was buried at Blackfoot Crossing.
A glacier in Banff National Park now bears his name.
