GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) – A Native American tribe in Montana has planned a celebration after recently gaining federal recognition.
The Associated Press reported Monday that the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana has announced plans to host a celebration January 25 in Great Falls.
Officials say the celebration comes about one month after President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act containing an amendment giving the Little Shell Tribe federal recognition.
Tribal council members say the free celebration will be held at the Holiday Inn from 5-10 p.m. and is open to the public. Members say the celebration includes dinner, entertainment and speeches from dignitaries and council members.
The public is also welcome to a pipe ceremony scheduled for 1 pm on January 25 at the Shawn Gilbert Event Center.
There are an estimated 4,500 Little Shell Tribe members in Montana, with population concentrations in the local communities of Great Falls, Hays, Chinook, Havre, Wolf Point and Lewistown.
