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Welcome to
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
SEAL OF THE FORT BELKNAP RESERVATION
Created by George "Sonny" Shields
The emblem of
the Fort Belknap Reservation’s seal as illustrated by the traditional shield
symbolizes the shield’s protection of the two tribe s. The Gros Ventre and
Assiniboine. The shield illustrates the protection for the two tribes from the
past, present and future loss of tribal culture, tribal identity and tribal land
base. Individual and tribal interests and future development will also prosper
and grow under the shield’s protection.
The circular shape of the shield symbolizes life itself, as perceived by the
Indian belief of the constant cycle of life, each living thing dependent on each
other for life. The killing of the buffalo enables the Indian to live and grow
and when his mortal remains return to the earth, it serves as food for the
grasses of the prairie which in turn feeds the buffalo, thus ensuring the
constant cycle of life.
The four directions and the four seasons are symbolized in the use of the four
colors: red-summer, yellow-fall, white-winter, and green-spring.
Symbolizing the existence of two tribes, the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine n the
reservation who function as a whole, is the buffalo skull. The colors divide it,
yet the skull remains as one. The skull has a jagged line from horn to horn
representing the Milk River, a major tributary of the Missouri.
Snake Butte is illustrated above the skull. This butte is a well known landmark
for Indian tribes throughout the north. The Spring located on the north-central
part of the butte, is on of the few natural fresh water springs in the area.
Snake Butte is also the place to seek out visions. Many tried but very few
succeeded in acquiring sacred power at this place.
The two arrowheads facing each other emphasize the strong traditional ties with
the past.
Seven feathers hang from the shield. There is a feather for every two of the
twelve council members representing the reservations three districts and the
center feather representing the tribal chairman.
Copyright 2003 Fort Belknap Indian Community,
Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes
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