Blackfoot Piegan Chiefs. Among the Blackfoot, all men were free and equal, and office was not hereditary. Each band was governed by a chief, who was entitled to his office by virtue of his bravery and generosity. The head chief was chosen by the chiefs of the bands and was usually the one who could show the best record in war, as proved at the Medicine Lodge. Photo by Edward S. Curtis, 1900. Vintage image restored by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.