The US Blackfeet Shield Keepers

“These roles need to develop our culture and language, and so I’m happy to be a part of that Guardian movement. This is who I want to be, and I love the work.” On the traditional territory of the Blackfeet Nation, Aawoohtakaaks (Shield Keepers) are protecting their land, animals, and ecosystems—just like Guardians all across Canada. In the face of near annihilation from colonization, the Blackfeet held onto their culture and the iinnii, and now they’re ensuring the Blackfeet way of life lives on by revitalizing iinnii populations, strengthening traditions, sharing knowledge, and teaching others, including federal government workers, about their history and relationship with the land. #LandNeedsGuardians