Mandan Village Life

Corn Husking Story

Blackfeet Men and Women

Hunting Buffalo

Blackfeet War Party

Men and Women

Men and women contributed equally to the well being of Indian country communities. Their distinct but complementary gifts and skills were essential to the flourishing of human life as they transformed animals into clothing, plants into food, and children into adults.

Each gender made its own contribution to community life and each had specific responsibilities to fulfill. Working in groups—whether in hunting, farming, fishing, or processing raw materials into finished goods—drew men and women together, forging powerful bonds that cemented the social unity and cohesion of the community.