The Origin of the Medicine Pipe
A beautiful woman appeared to a Blackfoot man who had gone on a vision quest. She gave him a pipe decorated with eagle feathers and taught him the prayers and songs that went with it. She told him the pipe would be a mediator between the people and the spirit world. When he returned to camp, the elders recognized the pipe's power and established the Medicine Pipe society. The pipe is central to Blackfoot ceremonies, used for healing, making peace, and communicating with Apistotoke. Its keeper must follow strict taboos and conduct annual renewal ceremonies.