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Created by
George "Sonny" Shields
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The emblem of
the Fort Belknap Reservation’s Seal, as illustrated by the traditional shield
symbolizes the shield’s protection of the two tribes, the Gros Ventre and
Assiniboine. The shield illustrates the protection for the two tribes from the
past, present and future, the 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 on 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 one 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. When the seal was originated, each feather
was for every two of the twelve council members representing the reservations
three districts and the center feather representing the Tribal Chairman.
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