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Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org
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LITTLE SHELL TRIBE
CHAMBER MEMBER FEATURE
The Little Shell Tribe believes in the Seven Grandfather
Teachings, one of them being called "Mnaadendimowin"
which means "Respect." They work to educate members on
these teachings in order to pass along their cultural values.
The ancestors of today's Little Shell Tribe are first documented
as being in the land now known as the State of Montana
as early as 1692 guiding Henry Kelsey of the Hudson's Bay
Company. They have resided in Montana in an unbroken
lineage since the 1780s.
The Little Shell Tribe is the 574th Federally Recognized Tribe,
and their federal recognition was restored very recent as of
December 20th, 2019. This means they are now considered
a sovereign nation. Tribal Sovereignty refers to the right of
American Indians and Alaska Natives to govern themselves.
The U.S. Constitution recognizes Indian tribes as distinct
governments and they have, with a few exceptions, the
same powers as federal and state governments to regulate
their internal affairs. Being federally recognized has opened
the doors for access to important services like healthcare,
housing, and education. Though there is a misconception
that the tribe will get free health care, it often comes with
chronically underfunded and limited services.
