 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2023) |
 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 6,900 enrolled members | |
| Languages | |
| Ojibwe, Michif, Cree, English[1] | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe, and Cree peoples), and Métis |
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana (Ojibwe language: Esensininiwag) is a federally recognized tribe of Ojibwe, Métis, and Cree people in Montana.[1][2][3] The name of the tribe is often shortened to Little Shell. In 2023, the population of enrolled tribal members is approximately 6,900.[4] The Tribe's headquarters is in Great Falls,[5] in a 35,000-sq. foot office complex.[citation needed]
The Little Shell Tribe is named after its 19th-century leader, Esens, known as "Little Shell."[citation needed] The Tribe was also referred to as the Little Shell Band of "Landless" Chippewa Indians of Montana because it did not have an Indian reservation, resulting from conflicts with federal authorities dating back to the 19th century.[6][7] Although considered "landless", the tribe gained state recognition from Montana in 2000.[8] On December 20, 2019, the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, finally granting the Tribe federal recognition.[9] The Tribe owns over 800 acres of land in and around Great Falls, Montana, and manages the Hell Creek Recreation Area.[10][11][12]
Members elect a government consisting of a Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer, and Tribal Council following their constitution.[13] While headquartered in Great Falls, tribal members live throughout Montana, particularly in Havre, Lewistown, Helena, Butte, Chinook, Hays, Wolf Point, Hamilton, and Billings.[8]
- ^ a b "Language Resources". Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ McLaughlin, Kathleen (21 Dec 2019). "A big moment finally comes for the Little Shell: Federal recognition of their tribe". Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- ^ "Culture". Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
- ^ "2023 Annual Report" (PDF). Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. p. 5. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ Mabie, Nora (October 7, 2021). "Little Shell Tribal Health Clinic, opening in Great Falls in fall, to serve 'anybody and everybody'". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "Testimony of the Hon. John Sinclair, President of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana Before Senate Committee on Indian Affairs" (PDF). Indian.Senate.gov. September 25, 2008.
- ^ McLaughlin, Kathleen (December 21, 2019). "A big moment finally comes for the Little Shell: Federal recognition of their tribe". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b Drake, Phil; Mabie, Nora (December 20, 2019). "FINALLY! At long last, Little Shell get federal recognition". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ Mabie, Nora (December 20, 2020). "Little Shell Tribe navigates new territory 1 year after gaining federal recognition status". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "Montana Cadastral". Montana Cadastral. Montana State Library. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Little Shell Tribe gains lease to take over Montana state park". Great Falls Tribune. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ French, Brett (2022-03-29). "Tribe officially takes over at Hell Creek on Fort Peck Reservoir". Billings Gazette. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Mabie, Nora (November 10, 2020). "Little Shell Tribe reelects incumbents; council looks to expand opportunities". Great Falls Tribune. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-10.