Naapi’s Garden: A guide to culturally important Blackfoot Plants
……And then after he made the earth, Naapi went about gouging the earth to make rivers and lakes, filling them with water. He covered his territory with grass for Iinnii (the buffalo). Naapi not only made roots, berries, and plants for the animals to eat and use but he made all kinds of flowers to beautify his territory. Lest his people might get sick, he also scattered throughout his territory all kinds of medicinal plants for them to keep them in good health.
This pamphlet is a humble beginning of an attempt to retrieve some of the plants that are natural and indigenous to the prairie landscape.
The BUFFLAO TREATY of 2014 mentions conservation, culture, and education in its clauses. This pamphlet is created in fulfillment of those purposes of the BUFFALO TREATY and to remind us of NAAPI’S GARDEN.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Amethyst First Rider, Leroy Little Bear, Kansie Fox, William Singer III, and Norma Jean Russell for their insights and knowledge which helped make the “Naapi’s Garden” project a success.
Download the Guide to culturally important Blackfoot plants by seasons here.
Learn more: Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association - KEPA