GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – After decades of effort, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is just one signature away from federal recognition.
Recognition of the Little Shell Tribe is included in the National Defense Authorization Act that passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The bill has already made its way through the U.S. House and now just needs a signature from President Donald Trump to become law.
Without a reservation for over 100 years, members of the tribe are scattered throughout the state of Montana and the northern plains of the U.S. and Canada. Federal recognition would make the tribe’s more than 5,000 members eligible for government benefits ranging from health care to education to housing, as well as providing 200 acres for a reservation.
In separate statements on Tuesday, U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte, and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox all lauded Congress’ approval of Little Shell recognition.
Little Shell Chairman Gerald Gray said, “It’s truly amazing. I’m almost speechless that this has finally come to fruition for us. Besides the dignity part and us fighting for this for over 150 years, it’s going to provide access to services our people have never had access to but have always deserved.”
