The Blackfoot ‘Buffalo Stone’ and KORITE Ammolite
A Sacred Stone from the Land
Long before Ammolite was known to the world as a gemstone, it was revered by the Blackfoot people of Southern Alberta as Iniskim, or the Buffalo Stone. For the Blackfoot, Iniskim was more than a physical object—it has been a source of spiritual power, a connection to the land, and a key part of their survival.
The Story of Iniskim: A Gift from the Creator
Over a thousand years ago, one Blackfoot clan faced a harsh winter, struggling with the scarcity of buffalo, deer, and other game. Despite their best efforts, the people of the tribe went hungry, and every day they prayed to the Creator for guidance and assistance.
One night, a young woman had a powerful dream. In the dream, a spirit visited her and said, "The Creator has heard your prayers, and he sees your struggle. I have been sent to offer you a gift—a stone called Iniskim, the Buffalo Stone." The spirit provided instructions on where to find it, and the most important clue—the stone would sing. The spirit instructed her to perform a ceremony and sing the songs that would call the buffalo back to her people.
Upon waking, the young woman shared the dream with her husband, and he rallied the people of the camp, announcing, "The Creator has heard our prayers, and he has answered us!" The woman set out on her journey, following the markers described in the dream. As she walked through the valley, she saw the signs, and soon enough, she heard the song of the stone, growing louder as she approached it. There, waiting for her, was the Iniskim, the sacred Buffalo Stone.
She returned to the camp, holding the stone and sharing the spirit’s message. “Tonight,” she said, “we will perform the ceremony. We will sing the songs, and the buffalo will come.” She also shared two signs to watch for: First, a storm would come from the north, and they must secure their teepees and belongings. Second, a buffalo would wander through the camp, and they were not to harm it.
As the ceremony began, the storm arrived, and those who had not prepared found their teepees blown over, seeking shelter among those performing the ceremony. As the night wore on, the dogs began to bark, and when the people looked outside, they saw a buffalo wandering through their camp, as foretold. They followed the instructions not to harm the buffalo, as the dream had said.
By morning, the storm had passed, leaving a calm stillness in its wake. The sun rose, casting light on a small herd of buffalo trapped in deep snow just outside the camp. The Blackfoot people were able to harvest the buffalo, providing food, shelter, and clothing to see them through the winter. The Buffalo Stone, a gift from the Creator, had brought them the prosperity they so desperately needed.
A Canadian Gemstone with Deep Roots
Today, Ammolite is recognized as Alberta's official gemstone. It is found exclusively in the Bearpaw Formation of Southern Alberta, making it one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones on Earth. Yet, its deeper cultural significance continues to live on in the stories and traditions of the Blackfoot people.
At KORITE, we are proud to be stewards of this sacred material. We recognize the cultural and spiritual significance of the Iniskim and are committed to honoring its legacy in every piece of Ammolite we produce. As a company rooted in Alberta and now under Indigenous ownership, we take our responsibility to respect the land and its stories seriously.
Honouring Tradition with Purpose
The story of the Iniskim is one of resilience, reciprocity, and respect for the earth. These values guide every step of our process, from ethical sourcing to sustainable mining practices. Each Ammolite gemstone is not just a product of time—it’s a part of an ongoing story that connects the Blackfoot people to the land and to future generations who will continue to honor this legacy.
Learn More
Discover more about the Blackfoot Buffalo Stone and KORITE’s commitment to cultural respect and sustainable practices. Contact us to learn more.
