Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana facts for kids
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 5,700 enrolled members | |
| Languages | |
| Ojibwe, English | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe, and Cree peoples) |
The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana is a federally-recognized tribe of Ojibwe people living in Montana. For many years, this tribe did not have its own Indian reservation. This was due to disagreements with the United States government in the 1800s.
Today, the tribe owns three acres of land near Great Falls, Montana. Many members live in different towns across Montana. These include Great Falls, Havre, Lewistown, Helena, Butte, Chinook, Hays, Wolf Point, Hamilton, and Billings.
The tribe has its own government. Members elect a chairman and a Tribal Council. The Little Shell Tribe was recognized by the state of Montana. Then, on December 20, 2019, they gained official recognition from the United States government. This was a big step for the tribe.
Contents
Tribe's Journey: Where They Came From
The ancestors of the Little Shell Tribe likely came from northern Ontario and Minnesota. In the early 1700s, they moved from the Great Lakes area. They traveled into the wide plains of Canada and the United States.
These ancestors formed alliances with the Assiniboine and Cree peoples. Together, they formed a strong group. They pushed out other tribes from areas that are now parts of Canada and the United States.
A Look Back: Tribe's History
The Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians are part of the larger Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians. European settlers first wrote about them in the early 1700s. These records show the Ojibwe people held a vast amount of land. It was about 63 million acres across what is now South Dakota, North Dakota, and Canada.
By the early 1800s, many French Canadian men, often fur trappers, married into Ojibwe families. This created strong family ties between the groups.
In 1863, the Pembina Band signed a treaty with the United States. This was called the Treaty of Old Crossing. They signed it along with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa. Later, in 1892, the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation was created. This happened through the McCumber Agreement.
However, the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians did not want to settle there. Some members eventually did move to the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Others traveled north and west into Canada. Later, they returned south into Montana. In May 2014, the Little Shell tribe opened a new cultural center. It is located near Great Falls, Montana.
Tribe's Name: The Story Behind It
The tribe is named after its important 19th-century leader, Esens. He was known as "Little Shell." The tribe used to be called the Little Shell Band of Landless Chippewa Indians of Montana.
Chief Little Shell: A Leader's Fight
In 1864, the tribal leader Esens, or Little Shell, stopped negotiations. He refused to change the original treaty. In 1892, he sent a message to Washington D.C. He offered to exchange 52 million acres of land and their treaty rights for a large reservation. This reservation would include the entire Turtle Mountain area. He asked for $1.00 per acre for the land.
Senator Porter J. McCumber was sent to meet with the Pembina Band. During the first meeting, his agent offered only $0.10 per acre. The Pembina people were upset and left the meeting. They knew the U.S. had paid $1.00 per acre for less valuable land elsewhere. The agent then brought in 32 Ojibwe from Canada. He had them sign the treaty. This became known as the McCumber Agreement or the Ten Cent Treaty.
John Burke, a state attorney, learned about this unfair deal. He agreed to help Little Shell. Senator McCumber also agreed that the treaty was unfair. But after McCumber died in 1905, the U.S. Senate approved the treaty anyway. Federal officials told the Little Shell people they had to sign the treaty or face starvation.
More About the Little Shell Tribe
The official name of the tribe is The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. It is often shortened to Little Shell. Today, there are about 5,400 enrolled tribal members.
In the mid-1800s, the tribe had thousands of members. They lived in the Red River-Pembina region. At that time, there was no official way to count members. There was also no reservation, so no exact population figures were recorded.
Since the late 1900s, the tribe has reorganized. They first gained recognition from the state of Montana. Then, in December 2019, they achieved federal recognition from the U.S. government. They now have a large office complex in Great Falls.
How the Tribe is Governed
The Little Shell Tribe is led by an elected Tribal Council. This is set up by their constitution. The Tribal Chairman is also elected. Four council seats are elected every four years. Three other seats are elected every two years. Most voting happens by mail.
The Tribal Council meets regularly in Great Falls. They meet at least once a month. Quarterly meetings are also held to keep tribal members involved and informed.
The tribe has kept its culture and structure strong for many years. Their constitution was updated most recently in 2016. Governor Stan Stephens officially recognized the tribe at the state level. This process formally included the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.
Council members are not paid for their work. Now that the tribe is federally recognized, they can get support from the U.S. government. This includes help with education, housing, and medical care. These services are usually given to tribes recognized by the United States government. Little Shell Tribal members can also use services in cities and public benefits available to all Montana residents.
Special Events and Gatherings
- Joseph Dussome Day: This is an annual gathering for the tribe. It celebrates their culture and traditions. Members enjoy social activities, hear election results, and attend committee meetings. It usually takes place in November.
- Back to Batoche Celebration: This is an annual gathering that brings together the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa and their sister Tribes of Metis from Canada. It remembers the Riel Rebellion. The event includes cultural activities, dancing, art, and socializing. It is held at Batoche, Saskatchewan.
