Back row: Frank Red Crow, Aloyuisus Crop Earred Wolf, Alert Many Fingers, Harry Big Throat, Charlie Davis, Joe Bullshields, Mke Eagle Speaker, Morris Many Fingers, Fred Tail Feathers.
Front row: Jack Hind Bull, Jim White Bull, Chief Shot on Both Sides, Pat(?) Cross Child, John Cotton, Percy Creighton.
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, Accession Number: 19753000037

Past issues of the Lethbridge Herald have long served as an encyclopedia of community life, a Who’s Who of Southwest Alberta. However, not everyone was fairly represented. In the Galt Museum’s archives are images of Blackfoot people once featured in the newspaper without identification, leaving their stories untold. The 1,000 Faces Project was designed to bridge this gap by recovering and preserving their names in archival records.

My role was to facilitate this endeavour – to recover names through conversations with Blackfoot Elders who came forward to generously share their knowledge and stories. It became a collaborative effort between the Elders and the researcher, with each photo unveiling a new piece of history and a new connection to the past. The 1,000 Faces Project became not just about identifying faces in old photographs, but about preserving the rich history and culture of the Blackfoot people.

Jenny Fox
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, Accession Number:19931064449

One particularly poignant moment occurred when an Elder identified an elderly woman in a photograph as her great-grandmother. She shared stories of her great-grandmother's traditions and wisdom, passing down her legacy to future generations. It was a powerful moment of connection between the past and present, bridging the gap between generations and keeping history alive. This became the platform of Ooksisàwáta Omahkiitapiiksi (revisiting the Old Ones). What became an obstacle in identifying photos that were set between the years of 1810-1910, most of the Blackfoot Elders had a difficult time trying to identify key individuals. From this point, it was like finding a white cat in a snowstorm.

The 1,000 Faces Project evolved beyond mere research, becoming a journey of discovery, understanding, and appreciation for Blackfoot culture and history. Through storytelling and oral history, it brought the past to life and honoured those who came before.

Pricella Creighton
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, Accession Number: 19991002007

Ultimately, the project not only identified the majority of the photographs but also celebrated the spirit and resilience of the Blackfoot people. It underscored the significance of preserving history and culture, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Blackfoot Nation.

One question that was asked to Blackfoot Elders was, “Why do you think this project is important?” Kainai Elders such as Leroy Heavy Runner stated, “Use these photographs and the history of the Blood Tribe and incorporate them into books. The history of the Kainai can be taught in education. We, as the Blackfoot, would like to know our own history.”

Many Spotted Horse
Image courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, Accession Number: 19871170000

On her part, Harriet Heavy Runner said, “It will be a movement to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and these stories of the old people can help those that are wanting to reconnect with their family heritage.”

The project was made possible through the Heritage Preservation Partnership Program from the Province of Alberta, demonstrating the commitment to preserving and honouring the cultural heritage of the Blackfoot people.

Uncovering the Untold Stories of the Blackfoot People