59
Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org
B
U
S
I
N
E
S
S
F
E
AT
U
R
E
To meet this challenge, The Little Shell Tribe purchased
a 10,000-square-foot building on Smelter Avenue and is
converting it to meet Indian Health Service (IHS) standards
for an outpatient tribal health clinic. Gerald Gray, Chairman
of the Little Shell Tribe, said IHS will run the clinic for three
years before the tribe can manage services. The clinic will
offer comprehensive care including medical, dental, vision,
pharmaceutical, and behavioral health services.
The Little Shell Tribe currently has over 6,400 members
residing mostly in Montana, though there are many throughout
the U.S. The Tribe has four county service areas recognized:
Cascade, Blaine, Hill, and Glacier Counties.
The Little Shell Tribe has contributed to the economic growth
of Great Falls with their multiple business purchases within the
last few years, including the purchase of a building for their
health clinic and created several new positions helping increase
employment opportunities in Great Falls. 90% of the money
received from the CARES and ARPA grants totaling $50M has
been spent locally, right here in Great Falls. The Tribe used
the CARES Act money to distribute COVID 19 Relief Stimulus
payments and personal protective equipment to members.
The tribe also renovated its two office buildings they own and
updated the kitchen in its cultural center to provide senior
lunches and relied on local contractors to complete the project.
The tribe also created a program that will provide free
transportation to elders and others without vehicles, the tribe
purchased two 15 person vans for this service.
Future Plans
The tribe currently owns five unique businesses in Montana,
Idaho, and North Dakota and plans to purchase more in the
future. They also hope to start a Tribal College in Great Falls.
The tribe prides itself on being self-sufficient and contributing
to the community.
Gerald Gray, Chairman
