They were one of the most powerful tribes of the northern Great Plains. They dominated the land around present-day Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.
The Assiniboine lived nomadically across the northern plains, following the migrations of the bison herds, and living in tipis. Their folklore tells of speaking animals and spider-like creatures whose adventures reveal morals for life. Their mythology speaks of birds that cast lighting from their beaks.
In this article, we unveil the vibrant traditions and captivating culture of the Assiniboine tribe, from their history and language to the types of homes they built, the food they ate, their mythology and folklore, and more.
Table of contents:
Quick facts
Below is a list of quick facts about the Assiniboine Tribe’s culture, history, and traditions.
What are the Assiniboine known for?
The Assiniboine are a Plains Indian tribe known for their role as traders and middlemen in the fur trade, namely at Fort Union Trading Post in Williston, North Dakota. They are also known for their impeccable horsemanship. Female members of the tribe rode, hunted, and occasionally fought with men.
How to pronounce Assiniboine
Despite the unusual spelling of Assiniboine, the pronunciation of this word is quite simple, pronounced uh-SIN-uh-boin, or “A” (as in up), “Sin” (as in cinder), “I” (as in it), Boine (as in coin). Phonetic spelling: /a’sini,boin/.
What is the meaning of the name “Assiniboine”?
“Assiniboine” means Those who cook with stones. The name is derived from the Ojibwe term “asinii-bwaan,” meaning “stone Sioux,” a reference to their cooking method using heated stones.
What was the language of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine tribe speaks the Assiniboine language, also known as Nakoda. It is part of the Siouan language family, closely related to the languages of the Sioux tribes, reflecting their shared cultural and historical ties.
Where did the Assiniboine tribe originate from?
The Assiniboine tribe originated from the Lake Superior region of present-day Minnesota and southwestern Ontario. They split from the Sioux tribes around 1640, migrating west and establishing their distinct territory in the Northern Great Plains region of North America, primarily in areas that are now parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Montana.
Are Assiniboine and Sioux the same?
No, the Assiniboine and Sioux are not the same. They are historically related but distinct Native American peoples. The Assiniboine split from the Sioux in the 17th century, developing their own unique culture, language, and identity separate from their Sioux relatives.
Who were the enemies of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine tribe’s historical enemies included various neighboring tribes due to territorial disputes and competition for resources. Notably, they had conflicts with the Sioux and Blackfoot, among others throughout different periods, influenced by shifting alliances and the dynamics of trade and European colonization.
What weapons did the Assiniboine tribe use?
The Assiniboine tribe used traditional weapons such as bows and arrows, lances, war clubs, and knives. They were skilled hunters and warriors, adapting their weaponry for hunting large game like bison and defending their territory or engaging in warfare with rival tribes.
What is the current status of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine tribe lives together with the Sioux, Gros Ventre, Chippewa, and Cree tribes on reservations in Montana and Saskatchewan, maintaining their cultural heritage and traditions.
They are active in tribal governance, economic development, and cultural preservation, with efforts focused on education, language revitalization, and community well-being.
Are there any famous members or leaders of the Assiniboine tribe?
Notable Assiniboine tribe members include Chief Crazy Bear and Wi-jun-jon (Pigeon’s Egg Head), who were prominent leaders. Wi-jun-jon is particularly remembered for his journey to Washington, D.C., and his role in bridging cultures between the Assiniboine people and the United States government.
History of the Assiniboine Tribe
Origins of the Assiniboine
The Assiniboine tribe’s history traces back to their origins in the Lake Superior region of present-day Minnesota and southwestern Ontario, where they were part of the larger Sioux (Dakota) linguistic and cultural group. Driven by the desire for new hunting grounds and conflicts and pressures from neighboring tribes, such as the Ojibwe, they began migrating westward in the 17th century.
Migration west
As they moved west, the Assiniboine adapted to the vast landscapes of the Northern Great Plains, transitioning from forest-based resources to the abundant opportunities provided by the plains. Their lifestyle and culture evolved significantly during this period.
They became skilled bison hunters, using this vital resource for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. The horse, introduced to North America in the 16th century, transformed their mobility and hunting efficiency, further solidifying their adaptation to the plains lifestyle.
Adaptation to the Plains lifestyle
On the Great Plains, the Assiniboine established a distinct identity and territory, stretching from modern-day Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada to Montana and North Dakota in the United States.
They engaged in trade with European fur traders, notably at Fort Union Trading Post along the present-day Montana-North Dakota border. They acted as middlemen between the booming fur trade companies, such as the American Fir Company, and other indigenous tribes, which enhanced their enormous influence and power over the region.
Enemies of the Assiniboine
The establishment of Assiniboine territory on the Northern Great Plains also led to conflicts with neighboring tribes, marking a shift in intertribal relationships. Their primary enemies became the Blackfoot and Sioux, with whom they competed for hunting grounds, resources, and control over lucrative trade routes.
Despite these conflicts, the Assiniboine managed to maintain a degree of autonomy and influence through strategic alliances and trade relationships, such as the Iron Confederacy, one of the most dominating and powerful forces of the Northern Great Plains.
We discuss the Iron Confederacy in more detail later on.
What was the culture of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine culture is richly woven with the threads of language, mythology, spirituality, and traditional arts and crafts.
We discuss each of these aspects of Assiniboine culture in detail below.
Language of the Assiniboine Tribe
The Assiniboine tribe spoke the Assiniboine language, also known as Nakoda. It is a Siouan language, closely related to the languages of the Sioux tribes, such as Dakota and Lakota, reflecting the shared heritage and historical connections among these groups.
However, the Assiniboine language has distinct linguistic features and dialects that set it apart, demonstrating the unique cultural identity of the Assiniboine people.
Below, we list several words from the Assiniboine and Lakota Sioux languages, comparing the same words in both languages:
| Assiniboine | Lakota Sioux | Meaning |
| Aba hawi | Apawi | Sun |
| Nihce | Ceyohe (chay-yoh-hay) | Abdomen or belly |
| Mini | Mni | Water |
| Ca | Can (chahn) | Tree |
Assiniboine mythology and folklore
Assiniboine mythology and folklore is rich with tales that intertwine spirituality, nature, and the cosmos, reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to the earth and the supernatural.
Central to their myths are stories of creation, trickster figures like Iktomi the spider, and narratives that explain natural phenomena and teach moral lessons.
These stories serve not only to pass down knowledge and values but also to explain the tribe’s origins and their relationship with the spiritual world.
Below are a few examples of Assiniboine mythology and folklore.
Assiniboine mythology
The Creation of the World
In this Assiniboine creation myth, Iktome, a creator-trickster, forms land from earth delivered to him by a muskrat from beneath a primeval sea. Iktome then decides on an eternal winter, equating to the number of hairs on his robe, but a frog suggests limiting winter to seven months. After killing the protesting frog, Iktome concedes to this wisdom. He then creates humans and horses from dirt, teaching the Assiniboine the skill of horse stealing.¹
Iktomi and the Ducks
Iktomi, the trickster spider, is a recurring figure in Assiniboine mythology. One tale describes how Iktomi tricked a flock of ducks into closing their eyes and singing, only to kill them one by one. A lone duck escapes to warn others, teaching lessons about vigilance and the dangers of deceit.
Assiniboine Folklore
The Crane and the Otter
In this Assiniboine tale, a crane hatches late and cannot migrate with other birds. Entrusted to an otter for winter care, the crane is later kidnapped by Osni’ (the cold), who mistreats him, causing his reddish-brown coloration and deformity. In spring, as the crane calls for his mother, Osni’ attempts to silence him but is destroyed by lightning. The crane’s mother, grateful to the otter for its initial kindness, blesses otters with resilience to the cold.²
Spirituality and religion of the Assiniboine Tribe
The spirituality and religion of the Assiniboine are deeply rooted in a connection to nature, with practices and beliefs centered around the use of sacred objects like medicine pipes, the seeking of visions, and the guidance of shamans.
Sun Dance
The Assiniboine Sun Dance was a ceremonial, annual gathering, deeply spiritual in nature, focusing on renewal and connection. Bands united for this ritual each summer, which involved dancing, fasting, and prayer, reflecting their reverence for the sun and cosmic harmony.
Shamanism
Shamanism among the Assiniboine involved two types of medical practitioners: the root doctor and the holy man. Medicinal roots and herbs, used for healing, were not exclusive to any class within the tribe and were inherited by the closest relative upon an owner’s death.
These inheritors could sell or use them to cure others, often for compensation. Healers often maintained utmost secrecy about any remedies that proved effective.³
Individual Revelations (fasting and prayer)
The religious experiences of shamans and ordinary tribe members were very similar, with the main difference being the level and type of help they received.
Assiniboine men sought spiritual power through fasting and prayer or suddenly received guidance or revelations without asking for them. The nature of these spiritual messages could lead them to various roles in the tribe, such as founding dance societies, becoming healers, owning special lodges, making war shirts, or becoming prophets.
Following these spiritual instructions was critical — ignoring them was the tribe’s explanation for many members’ deaths.³
Sacred Pipe
The following story highlights the reverence Plains Indians, including the Assiniboine, had for medicine pipes:
During a fierce battle between the Bloods and the Assiniboine, a Blood warrior carrying a medicine pipe was killed by an Assiniboine, who then took the pipe.
Unable to approach the body further due to the surrounding Blood warriors, the Assiniboine faced a dire situation with their ammunition depleted. A woman, captured by the Bloods but raised as one of their own, approached the Assiniboine with a message: return the pipe, and the Bloods will stop fighting, sparing them.
After deliberation, the Assiniboine agreed, and peace was restored as they returned the pipe, greeted by the grateful and disarmed Blood warriors.³
Traditional arts and crafts of the Assiniboine Tribe
The Assiniboine are known for their rich arts and crafts tradition, including beadwork, quillwork, and hide painting.
Beadwork
The Assiniboine excelled in creating intricate beadwork designs on clothing, accessories, and ceremonial items, showcasing detailed patterns and vibrant colors.
Quillwork
Quillwork, another traditional craft, involved the use of porcupine quills to decorate various items, such as bags and moccasins, with elaborate designs.
Painting
Hide painting was also a significant art form, with the Assiniboine using natural pigments to paint scenes of historical events, spiritual beliefs, and everyday life on animal hides.
These crafts not only served aesthetic and practical purposes but also played a crucial role in preserving and conveying the Assiniboine’s cultural heritage and identity.
What was the political and social structure of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine tribe’s political and social structure was traditionally based on a system of bands, each led by a chief or leader.
These bands were relatively autonomous, making decisions through consensus among the band’s members, with a strong emphasis on the advice and wisdom of elders and respected members of the community.
Membership was flexible, based on birth or marriage, and despite geographical separation, all bands felt a strong sense of unity through family ties, coming together for major ceremonies like the Sun Dance.
People could easily move from one band to another or start new ones, though their affiliation was usually based on which band their parents belonged to or whom they married. Because people often moved around, most band members were related in some way.
Despite being spread out, all the bands felt a strong connection to each other because of their family ties, creating a sense of unity across the Assiniboine nation. This feeling of belonging together was strong, even when it was hard for everyone to meet for ceremonies.⁴
Subgroups and bands of the Assiniboine
Accurate names and locations of all Assiniboine bands are difficult to find, due to the fluid nature of their territorial and social organization. Below are five examples of the many known bands:
- Wadopabina (Canoe Paddler)
- Waziyamwincasta (People of the North)
- Canhdada (Moldy People)
- Sahiyaiyeskabi (Plains Cree-Speakers)
- Cepahubi (Large Organs)
Assiniboine bands varied in their exact territorial claims, often overlapping with the regions inhabited by other Plains tribes, and their locations could shift over time due to various factors like conflicts, alliances, and changes in the bison populations.
Relationships with other tribes
The Assiniboine had complex relationships with neighboring tribes, characterized by alliances, conflicts, and occasional peace.
Though they warred with and raided several tribes, their primary enemies were the Sioux and Blackfeet. When European settlers expanded westward reaching Assiniboine territory, the Assiniboine established mostly peaceful relations with them.
Through the power of their vast network of bands and territorial control, they developed one of the strongest Native American alliances of the American West, called the Iron Confederacy. The Iron Confederacy served as an economic and military buttress to invading settlers and enemy tribes up until the decline of the fur trade and the decimation of the bison populations.
Iron Confederacy (Nēhiyaw-Pwat) – A key member
The strongest relationships the Assiniboine developed with neighboring tribes were those of the members of the Iron Confederacy, an alliance as strong and impenetrable as the name suggests.
The Assiniboine played a key role in the Iron Confederacy, an alliance formed in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily involving various Plains and Woods Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Saulteaux, and later, the Métis.
This confederation was established to strengthen trade relationships and military alliances among its members, particularly focusing on the fur trade with European settlers. The Assiniboine, leveraging their strategic position and expertise in trading, acted as intermediaries between the fur trade companies (notably the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company) and the Indigenous groups of the Northern Plains.
Their involvement was crucial in facilitating the exchange of European goods, such as firearms, metal tools, and textiles, for furs and other products. This role not only enhanced the economic status of the Assiniboine within the confederacy but also contributed to the expansion and effectiveness of the Iron Confederacy’s trade network across vast regions of what is now Canada and the United States.
Assiniboine and the Cree – Close allies
The strong relationship between the Assiniboine Tribe and the Cree dates back to the early 17th century, shortly after the Assiniboine separated from their parent Sioux Tribe. The Cree and Assiniboine were of the founding tribes of the Iron Confederacy. They remained allied thereafter, serving as middlemen between European fur traders and indigenous tribes.
What was the lifestyle of the Assiniboine tribe like?
The Assiniboine tribe, historically known as the Nakoda, led a lifestyle that was closely tied to the Great Plains region of North America, where they primarily lived. Their way of life, culture, and survival strategies were deeply influenced by the environment, the bison (buffalo), and their relationships with neighboring tribes.
Nomadic lifestyle
The Assiniboine were a nomadic tribe. Since the bison was central to their way of life, providing food, clothing, shelter, and tools, they followed the seasonal migrations of bison herds across the plains.
The Assiniboine lived in portable tipis made from bison hides, which could be quickly dismantled and transported as they moved across vast territories in search of bison.
Assiniboine food
The Assiniboine diet was primarily based on the resources available in the Great Plains, with a strong emphasis on hunting and gathering. Their diet reflected the seasons and the availability of different food sources throughout the year.
The bison was the cornerstone of their diet, providing not only the main source of protein but also materials for clothing, shelter, and tools. In addition to bison, they also consumed other game, such as deer and elk, and gathered wild plants, roots, and berries, such as saskatoon berries.
What food did the Assiniboine Tribe eat?
The Assiniboine ate a variety of foods, ranging from wild game to plants, roots, and berries. Below are four examples of foods the Assiniboine Tribe ate:
- Bison meat. Used in various forms such as fresh, dried, or pounded into pemmican (a mixture of fat, meat, and berries), providing a durable and nutritious food source for long journeys or over winter.
- Deer and elk. Other important sources of meat, hunted for their flesh and, like bison, used entirely from hide to bone.
- Berries and Fruits. Wild berries, including chokecherries, serviceberries, and wild strawberries, were gathered and often mixed with dried meat to make pemmican.
- Roots and Tubers. The Assiniboine gathered various roots and tubers, such as prairie turnips, which were an important source of carbohydrates and nutrients.
This diet, rich in protein and natural plant foods, supported the Assiniboine’s nomadic lifestyle and provided them with the energy needed for hunting, migration, and enduring the harsh climates of the Great Plains.
What type of homes did the Assiniboine tribe live in?
The Assiniboine tribe lived in tipis, which were conical tents traditionally made from bison hides stretched over a framework of long wooden poles.
The design of the tipi was well-suited to their nomadic lifestyle on the Great Plains, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly as the tribe moved in pursuit of bison herds. The tipi’s structure also provided durability and insulation against the varied weather conditions of the plains, from hot summers to cold winters.
The entrance faced east to catch the morning sun and an opening at the top could be adjusted to control ventilation and smoke escape from the central fire inside. Inside, the living space was organized around the fire, with sleeping areas arranged around the perimeter.
What was the role of women in the Assiniboine tribe?
In the Assiniboine tribe, women were vital. They gathered plants for food and medicine, looked after children and the elderly, made clothes and tools, and prepared meat and animal skins.
Women made sure to save meat for the winter and used every part of the animal to make useful things like clothes, bedding, and tools. They also took care of the home, cooked, and helped raise the kids. Their work was essential for the tribe’s life and culture.
What was the role of men in the Assiniboine tribe?
In the Assiniboine tribe, men primarily served as hunters and warriors. They were responsible for tracking and hunting bison and other game, providing the tribe with food, skins for clothing and shelter, and materials for tools. Men also protected the tribe, engaging in warfare with rival groups to defend territory or resources.
Leadership roles within the tribe, including those of chiefs and council members, were typically held by men, who were involved in decision-making and maintaining social order. Their roles were integral to the tribe’s survival, security, and governance.
Economy of the Assiniboine Tribe
The economy of the Assiniboine tribe was primarily based on hunting, gathering, and trade. Hunting, especially of bison, was the cornerstone of their economy, providing food, clothing, shelter materials, and other goods they would occasionally trade for agricultural products, such as corn, squash, sunflower, and beans.
Trade played a significant role in the Assiniboine economy as they were one of the fundamental members of the Iron Confederacy, a powerful group of allied tribes that acted as middlemen between European fur traders and other indigenous tribes, such as the Blackfeet.
They engaged in extensive trade networks, exchanging bison hides, meat, and other goods with European traders. Through trade, they acquired items not readily available in their environment, such as guns, metal tools, and other European goods.
The Assiniboine are notable for their role at the Fort Union Trading Post on the present-day Montana-North Dakota border.
Fort Union Trading Post
By 1828, the Assiniboine, residing in parts of what are now North Dakota, Montana, and Saskatchewan, allowed Kenneth McKenzie of the American Fur Company to establish the Fort Union Trading Post in their territory.
The Assiniboine played a key role in Fort Union’s operations due to the fort’s strategic position and the tribe’s extensive knowledge of fur trading. As the main partners of Fort Union, they not only facilitated its success but also protected it from hostile groups, notably the Blackfeet.
The Assiniboine’s relationship with Fort Union was marked by mutual respect and cooperation, leading to strong friendships and intermarriages between the tribe and the fort’s personnel. This partnership underscored the tribe’s influential role in the regional fur trade and their contribution to the fort’s prosperity over its thirty-nine years of operation.
What led to the decline of the Assiniboine tribe?
The decline of the Assiniboine Tribe was precipitated by a combination of factors following European contact, with the spread of smallpox among tribes, the depletion of the bison population, and the loss of land being the primary causes.
Smallpox
European-introduced diseases had a devastating impact on the Assiniboine, leading to widespread epidemics and significant fatalities, with smallpox being particularly lethal to the Assiniboine.
The smallpox epidemic that spread through the tribe brought the powerful nation from a population of 10,000 people in the 18th century down to several thousand by the late 19th century.
Decimation of the bison
The bison, central to the Assiniboine way of life, providing food, clothing, and materials for shelter, were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. This overhunting was driven by European demand for bison hides and the U.S. government’s strategic intent to undermine the Plains Indians’ way of life. As the bison vanished, the Assiniboine faced starvation and were forced into dependency on government supplies.
Land loss
Land loss occurred through encroachment by settlers and the imposition of treaties and executive orders by the U.S. government, which sought to confine Indigenous peoples to reservations.
Important treaties during this period include the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1851, which aimed to establish peace between tribes and the U.S. government and the creation of reservation lands.
Negotiations and executive orders continued reshaping and shrinking the reservations throughout the late 19th century, ceding vast tracts of traditional Assiniboine territory to the U.S. government under terms that were frequently misunderstood or violated.
Establishing reservations
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. federal government initiated treaty negotiations with the Assiniboine in an attempt to reduce violence between tribes and between the tribes and European settlers.
Like most tribes of the time, the Assiniboine resisted and fought to retain control of their traditional territories. However, suffering from land loss, smallpox, and the decimation of the bison population, the Assiniboine agreed to move onto reservation land.
Through various treaties, negotiations, and executive orders thereafter, the U.S. and Canadian governments established reservations for the Assiniboine.
These reservations were established across present-day northern Montana and present-day Canada, including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. The government promised payments, medical aid, education, and economic support in exchange for land and resources.
Key treaties
The following treaties played a fundamental role in moving the Assiniboine onto reservations:
- Treaty 4 (1874). This treaty ceded land from the Cree, Salteaux, and Assiniboine in present-day southern Saskatchewan.
- Treaty 6 (1876). Treaty 6 ceded land from various other bands of Cree and Assiniboine around present-day central Saskatchewan and Alberta.
- Treaty of Fort Laramie (1851). This was the first in a series of agreements and executive orders that led to the establishment of the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations in northeast Montana in 1888, where the Assiniboine currently reside.
These treaties had detrimental effects on the Assiniboine and all other tribes, leading to inadequate housing, declining health, unemployment, discrimination, and cultural loss, exacerbated by the impact of residential schools, limited access to education, and restrictions on cultural and political practices.
What is the current status of the Assiniboine tribe?
The Assiniboine Tribe’s current location is on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in northeast Montana. They are also located on several reservations throughout Saskatchewan, Canada, and few communities live in Alberta.
The Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations, like many Indigenous communities, face unique economic and social challenges while also working towards sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Fort Peck Reservation
The economy of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, home to the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes, has traditionally been based on agriculture, ranching, and government services, including those provided by the tribal government. Economic development efforts have included diversification into sectors like tourism, retail, and small business development.
Socially, the community grapples with issues common to many reservations, such as unemployment, health disparities, and preserving cultural heritage.
The Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes are governed by the Tribal Executive Board, led by Chairman Floyd Azure and 14 other representatives, which handles local governance.
Major businesses include the Fort Peck Tribes’ own enterprises, such as the Fort Peck Tech Services Inc. and West Electronics Inc. manufacturing enterprises, and the Silver Wolf Casino in Wolf Point.
Tourist attractions focus on outdoor recreation opportunities, like fishing the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, and local cultural events, such as the Red Bottom Celebration, Fort Kipp Celebration, and Poplar Indian Days.
Fort Belknap Reservation
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes, similarly relies on agriculture and government services for economic stability, with recent efforts to expand into sectors like tourism and sustainable energy.
The community faces challenges including poverty and health care access while striving to maintain its cultural identity and traditions.
The Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, headed by President Jeffrey “Jeff” Stiffarm and 10 other representatives, governs the reservation, focusing on economic development, health, and education services.
Major businesses are largely community-owned enterprises, such as the Red Paint Creek Trading Post, Fort Belknap Casino, and a public nonprofit called the Fort Belknap Community Economic Development Corporation.
Tourist attractions include cultural events such as the Hays Powwow and natural sites like the Mission Canyon Natural Bridge and Snake Butte, offering insights into the rich history and natural landscape of the area.
Gallery – Pictures of the Assiniboine tribe and their way of life
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