Naming the West : Stories High River Medicine Tree

High River Student Story 3:
Medicine Tree

The Medicine Tree was first discovered by the Blackfoot people. They set up camp under the tree and offered prayers to the spirits. They also would pray for good medicine and blessings of the land. The natives in their travels always made a practice of visiting the unusual tree. They would leave gifts of tobacco, dried meats, arrowheads, and songs of the spirits. It got its name from the natives because they believed it could heal people that were ill and it would bring them good luck if they would touch it.