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<DIV>NEWS RELEASE July 26, 2010<BR>Piegan Institute, P.O. Box 909,
Browning, Montana, 59417</DIV>
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<DIV><BR> Imitaiks: When the Spirit Moved with Us</DIV>
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<DIV>Imitaiks or dogs played an important role in Blackfeet society for
generations. Before the horse they assisted the Blackfeet in a wide variety of
ways. Dogs helped with protection of the community from other humans and
animals. They helped haul household objects when the community was on the move.
They helped with gathering food and wood. They helped with hunting. Some
scholars argue that they were probably used as a trade item between communities
and as a sign of wealth before the horse. </DIV>
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<DIV>The date of when dogs first became domesticated is open to debate. However,
most scholars now agree that dogs were probably domesticated in the Middle East
about 15,000 years ago. They argue that dogs were probably domesticated before
other useful animals, such as cows and horses. They also argue that within a
short period of time dogs and humans made their way to North American and the
Northern Great Plains. </DIV>
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<DIV>Imitaiks also play an important role in Blackfeet mythology and history.
Because of their role in mythology and their role in daily life they were valued
by the community. Over time though, their value has diminished and they are
increasingly treated with less esteem than in previous times. </DIV>
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<DIV>Imitaiks is a one-day conference sponsored by the Piegan Institute which
will explore and debate the evolution and role of dogs in Blackfeet history. The
conference is free and open to the public and will be held on Friday, August 20,
2010 at the Cuts Wood School from 10am to 4pm. Presenters will include:
tribal elder Martin Eagle Child (Kainai) and Professor Eldon Yellow Horn
(North Pikuni) from Simon Fraser University.</DIV>
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<DIV>Piegan Institute is a private non-profit organization on the Blackfeet
reservation which sponsors programs dedicated to researching, promoting and
preserving the Blackfeet language. </DIV>
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<DIV>For more information on the conference or directions to Cuts Wood School
please call Rosalyn LaPier at 406-338-3518 or <A href="mailto:rrlapier@pieganinstitute.org">rrlapier@pieganinstitute.org</A>.
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