First published in 1892, Blackfoot Lodge Tales is based on George Bird Grinnell's extensive personal knowledge of the three tribes of the Blackfoot nation. Grinnell, and ethnologist, writer, editor, explorer, creator of Glacier National Park and protector of Yellowstone National Park, had great compassion for and understanding of Indians at a time when most men of the frontier were both uninterested in and unable to record the Indians' oral literature. The Blackfoot nation recognized Grinnell as an invaluable friend and entrusted their heritage to his keeping.

With that in mind, Grinnell presents as the first half of his book thirty stories of the Blackfeet, recorded as they were told to him, with admirable simplicity---stories of war and adventure, ancient times, natural phenomena, origins of social customs and tales of creation and the Creator. The remainder of the book deals with the history of the Blackfeet, their daily life and customs, tribal organization and religion.