The Sarcee: People of the High Plains and Foothills
The Sarcee, or Tsuut’ina Nation, are an Indigenous people whose traditional homeland lies in the high plains and foothills of present-day southern Alberta. Known for their close cultural and linguistic ties to the Athapaskan-speaking peoples of the north, the Sarcee developed a unique identity as they adapted to life on the open plains. This article explores their traditional geographic areas, culture before European contact, and the significant historical events that have defined their journey through the centuries.
Traditional Geographic Areas: From the Foothills to the Plains
The traditional territory of the Sarcee stretches across the southern Alberta plains and into the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Historically semi-nomadic, the Sarcee were closely associated with the Blackfoot Confederacy, often sharing hunting grounds and participating in alliances.
Their proximity to the Rocky Mountains provided access to diverse resources, including bison, deer, and other game on the plains, as well as fish, roots, and berries from the foothills. The Sarcee’s expertise in bison hunting and their use of river systems, including the Bow and Elbow Rivers, reflected their deep understanding of the region. Historian Hugh Dempsey remarked, “The Sarcee combined the mobility of the plains with the resourcefulness of the Athapaskan peoples, bridging cultural traditions in their unique geography” (The Peoples of the Plains, p. 79).
Culture and Society Before European Contact
Before European contact, the Sarcee were part of a broader Athapaskan migration southward from the subarctic, distinguishing themselves as a distinct group on the northern plains. They adopted many aspects of the plains lifestyle, including the use of tipis, the importance of bison hunting, and the centrality of the horse, which transformed their mobility and hunting practices.
Socially, the Sarcee were organized into bands, each led by a chief whose authority derived from consensus and demonstrated leadership in matters such as warfare, diplomacy, and resource management. Spiritual life was deeply intertwined with the natural world, with ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and the use of sweat lodges reinforcing their connection to the land.
Ethnologist Edward Curtis observed, “The Sarcee were both distinct and adaptable, integrating the traditions of their Athapaskan ancestors with the practices of their plains neighbours” (The North American Indian, p. 231).
Early Contact with Europeans and the Fur Trade
The Sarcee first encountered Europeans in the late 18th century through the fur trade networks established by the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. While they were less directly involved in the fur trade than their northern Athapaskan relatives, the Sarcee benefited from the influx of European goods, including firearms, metal tools, and textiles.
The introduction of the horse, acquired through trade with neighbouring groups such as the Blackfoot, revolutionized Sarcee society. The horse increased their hunting efficiency and expanded their territorial range, enhancing their ability to defend their lands and maintain their independence.
Alliances and Relationships with the Blackfoot Confederacy
The Sarcee were closely allied with the Blackfoot Confederacy, which included the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani nations. This alliance provided mutual protection and facilitated cultural exchange. The Sarcee adopted many elements of Blackfoot culture, including aspects of their governance and ceremonies, while maintaining their linguistic and ancestral distinctiveness.
Conflicts with neighbouring groups, such as the Cree and Assiniboine, were common, driven by competition over hunting grounds and resources. These conflicts, though often fierce, also highlighted the Sarcee’s role as a significant power on the northern plains.
The Treaty Era and Transition to Reserves
The late 19th century marked a significant turning point for the Sarcee with the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877. This treaty, signed between the Crown and several Indigenous nations of southern Alberta, including the Sarcee, formalized the transfer of much of their land in exchange for reserves, annual payments, and promises of government support.
The Sarcee were granted a reserve southwest of present-day Calgary, near the Elbow River. This location, now known as the Tsuut’ina Nation, became the focal point of their community. Historian Sarah Carter noted, “The Sarcee’s willingness to sign Treaty 7 reflected their pragmatic approach to an era of profound change, as they sought to secure their survival amid shifting realities” (Lost Harvests, p. 88).
The 20th Century: Resilience and Modern Developments
The 20th century saw the Sarcee adapting to life on the reserve while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. Challenges included economic transitions, government policies, and the need to maintain their traditions in a rapidly modernizing world.
Despite these challenges, the Sarcee demonstrated remarkable resilience. Cultural revitalization efforts, including the revival of traditional ceremonies and the preservation of their language, have been central to their identity. Economic initiatives, such as partnerships in resource development and land management, have provided new opportunities for the Tsuut’ina Nation.
One of the most significant modern developments was the establishment of the Tsuut’ina Trail, part of Calgary’s ring road project. This agreement, reached in 2013, highlighted the Sarcee’s ability to balance economic growth with the preservation of their community and traditions.
Contemporary Tsuut’ina Nation
Today, the Tsuut’ina Nation is a thriving community of over 2,500 members, with a strong emphasis on cultural education and economic development. The Tsuut’ina Cultural Museum and language programs have become focal points for preserving and sharing Sarcee heritage.
The Tsuut’ina are also active participants in regional governance and resource management, ensuring that their voice remains central in decisions affecting their lands and people. Historian Hugh A. Dempsey concluded, “The Sarcee’s journey from the northern forests to the modern Tsuut’ina Nation is a story of adaptation and resilience, reflecting their enduring spirit and deep connection to their land” (The People of the Plains, p. 128).
The history of the Sarcee is a testament to their adaptability and determination. From their Athapaskan origins to their role as allies of the Blackfoot Confederacy and their modern achievements as the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Sarcee have navigated profound changes while maintaining their identity. Their story, deeply tied to the plains and foothills of Alberta, is a vital chapter in the broader narrative of Canada’s history.
References
- Dempsey, H. (1980). The Peoples of the Plains. Calgary: Glenbow Museum.
- Curtis, E. S. (1928). The North American Indian: The Plains. Seattle: University of Washington Press.
- Carter, S. (1990). Lost Harvests: Prairie Indian Reserve Farmers and Government Policy. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press.
- Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. (2015). Tsuut’ina Traditions and Governance. Calgary: FSIN Publications.
- Tsuut’ina Nation. (2020). History of the Tsuut’ina People. Calgary: Tsuut’ina Nation Publications.