Like many tribes of Indians, the Blackfeet lived in fear of many dangers . . . uncertainties, such as starvation, sickness and attacks from animal and human enemies.

They were not alone in dealing with these dangers. There were supernatural powers that they could call upon to protect and guide them. Powers in the form of animals of the land and waters, as well as the sky spirits such as the sun, wind, rain and thunder. Supernatural power ultimately came from the sun, but certain animals were believed to convey their powers to man. Communication from the animals often came to the Indian through a "vision" while on a vision quest. When an Indian wished to receive knowledge of the future of either himself or his tribe, he would go alone to a remote, lonely place to fast and to pray. If he was worthy, a vision or message would come to him from the sun through either natural forces or an animal believed to have great supernatural powers.

After the buffalo, the grizzly bear was considered to contain great supernatural powers. The bear was revered for his strength, agility, vitality and invulnerability to other animals, bullets and arrow. He was believed to have a great wisdom and the ability to find herbs to heal his wounds.

When an Indian received the powers of the grizzly bear, he would then study the animal in great detail and create his own personal medicine bundle of objects instructed to him by his vision spirit. This medicine bundle was an important symbol of his powers. In time, the Indian became "like" the grizzly and thus became feared and respected by his enemies. "Two Bears of the Blackfeet" is one such Indian.