About Us

We are an Indigenous business located on the Blood Reserve in southern Alberta. The Blackfoot Nation is
comprised of four bands which include: Kainai, Piikani, Siksika and Blackfeet Tribes. We welcome visitors
from all backgrounds to our traditional lands.
Ammolite is fossilized remains of ammonite shells. Ammonites were hard-shelled squid-like
marine animals. The shells range in diameter from 5 to 90 centimeters (2 to 36 inches), with a thickness of 1.5 centimeters (1/2 inch). The colors are usually a rich vibrant red or a vivid iridescent green, and on rare occasions, all colors of the spectrum. Ammonite has a rich history with the Blackfoot people. The ammonite stone was used by the Blackfoot Nation and today can still be found on the Blood Reserve in southern Alberta.

 

 

 Our business is located on the Blood Reserve and has been in operation since 1995. Right from the beginning we have made it our intention to supply our customers and visitors a genuine experience in our Authentic Indigenous Jewelry, Crafts, and Arts.

Who are we?      

We are an Indigenous company offering Authentic Indigenous Jewelry, Crafts and Arts. We also offer Lapidary and Silversmith Courses to teach how to cut and polish semi-precious stones and fabricate sterling silver. We offer 3-5 Day Courses in our studio.

For Studio hours please contact us at (403) 330-6240

As a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, currently residing on the Blood Reserve in Southern Alberta, Bert is a lapidary and jewelry artist known for creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that incorporate traditional Blackfoot and Indigenous designs. He works with silver, ammolite and other semi-precious stones. 

Having apprenticed under well-known Lapidary Artist and Silversmith Jimmy Calabaza (Ca'Win), Bert has been making jewelry since 2002 and also conducts short courses on fabrication techniques. He received training at Hazeltine School of Fine Jewelry in Santa Fe, New Mexico and received instruction from internationally renowned jade carver, Deborah Wilson. Bert also attended the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California where he learned Navajo-style inlay techniques. 

Bert's jewelry has been featured in many galleries, gift shops and personal collections across North America. 

 

 

For studio hours, please contact (403) 330-6240. 

 

Our Location and Activities

Our business focuses on providing an authentic Indigenous experience that showcases unique and immersive experiences for all participants. Our location is well within the travel corridors of other tourist attractions and within the travelling route of our US visitors.


Waterton = 45 minutes

Remington Carriage Museum = 15 minutes

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump = 45 minutes

Carway Border = 30 minutes

Lethbridge = 45 minutes

Calgary = 2 hours

Beginning Spring and Summer 2023

We will begin offering further services for those that would like to experience an overnight stay in a tipi (teepee). We can also give sightseeing tours of beautiful and interesting sites. These added activities can be included with the jewelry studio tour. We require advance bookings for overnight tipi (teepee) accommodation. 

To book your next tipi (teepee) stay, please contact blackelkarts@gmail.com