The Kainai (or Kainah, Kainaiwa) are a First Nation located in southern Alberta, Canada. They are part of the Blackfoot (Nitsitapii) Confederacy. The nation has a current population of roughly 9,400 members. First Nations is the current title used by Canada to describe the various societies of the indigenous peoples, called Native Americans in the U.S. They have also been known as Indians, Native Canadians, Aboriginal Americans, Amer-Indians, or Aboriginals, and are officially called Indians in the Indian Act, which... Motto: Fortis et Liber (Strong and free) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Edmonton Largest city Calgary Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong Premier Ralph Klein (PC) Area 661,848 km² (6th)  - Land 642,317 km²  - Water 19,531 km² (2. ... Blackfoot is a name applied to four Native American groups in the northwestern plains. ...

Kainai translates directly to "Many Chiefs". The common English name for the tribe is the "Blood Tribe".

At the time treaties such as Treaty 7 were signed, the Kainai were situated on the Oldman, Belly, and St. Mary rivers west of Lethbridge, Alberta. The Kainai (Kainaiwa) reserve is currently the largest in Canada, and is located approximately 200 kilometres south of Calgary. Treaty 7 is a contract concluded in 1887 between several mainly Blackfoot Native American tribes now commonly called First Nations, and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. ... The Oldman River is a river in southwestern Alberta, Canada. ... The Saint Mary River is a tributary of the Saskatchewan River. ... Lethbridge is variously: Lethbridge, Alberta is a city in Alberta; William Lethbridge, after whom the City of Lethbridge, Alberta was named; Lethbridge, Victoria is a township outside Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart is a character on Doctor Who; and Lethbridge is a Brisbane r&b group. ... Motto: Fortis et Liber (Strong and free) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Edmonton Largest city Calgary Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong Premier Ralph Klein (PC) Area 661,848 km² (6th)  - Land 642,317 km²  - Water 19,531 km² (2. ... Motto: Heart of the new west Area: 712. ...

The Kainai are governed by an elected council of twelve, with one chief. The term of office is four years. Historical Chiefs of the Kainai are below:

• Chief Chris Shade (1996-2004)
• Chief Charles Weasel Head (2004-present)

External links

• Introduction to photo essay from 'Nitsitapiisinni: Our Way of Life' museum exhibit
• Concise description of the Blackfoot tribes
• Blood Tribe Information Web