"The Blackfeet Indians have abided by the terms of the many treaties and agreements with the United States, and their success in developing a cattle ranching industry by 1890 is guaranteed as a treaty goal in the 1896 land cession agreement. The Indian rancher's cattle economy had made them self-reliant within sight of complete economic independence and it established a sound economic base for the future of the tribe. The Blackfeet Indians are bound by treaty, custom, religion and tradition to their reserved treaty lands that were intended to serve in perpetuity as their homeland. Unlike the white rancher, who has invaded the Blackfeet reservation, who can take his condemnation payment from the government and buy like property in the State of Montana; the Blackfeet Indians cannot replace their unique territory, or social and governmental treaty status through a mere cash payment for their stolen lands."
-The Sacred Buffalo Vision by Robert J. Juneau and Robert C. Juneau
pg.3
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