The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians celebrates federal recognition

Scott Jenkin carries his grandmother’s portrait into the commemoration. She died before the tribe was federally recognized, and when Jenkin learned about the recognition, he wept for three days. “I wanted her here in spirit. It’s her blood that makes me Little Shell.”

At 93 years old, Theresa Juraskovich is the oldest living member of the Little Shell Tribe. Juraskovich described how recognition makes her feel. “I felt like, without recognition, I wasn’t somebody. Today, I feel like I’m valued.”

The Little Shell Cultural Center is one of the two places where tribal members regularly gather in Great Falls, Montana. With federal recognition, the Little Shell are now looking at ways to expand their community.

Crowds overflow into the hallway during the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Federal Recognition Commemoration in Great Falls, Montana, on Jan. 25, 2020. Little Shell Tribal Chairman Gerald Gray said he had expected about 300 attendees and was was blown away when nearly 1,000 people showed up.

Little Shell Chairman Gerald Gray speaks at the commemoration. Gray said the tribal council was so focused on getting recognized it lacked the bandwidth to think about the next steps. “There is no blueprint for this. It’s a little scary because you don’t know, but we have time. We’re going to take baby steps and do it right.”

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., gave the tribe a copy of S. 1790, the congressional act that included a provision granting federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In addition to Daines, Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., Gov. Steve Bullock, Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and other Montana politicians spoke at the event.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council President Rynalea Whiteman Pena presents a gift basket to the Little Shell Tribe during the commemoration. Little Shell Tribal Chairman Gerald Gray said the support of their sister tribes was invaluable in the Little Shells’ battle for recognition.

Students from the Great Falls Public School Indian Education Department dance during the commemoration.

Jenny LaSalle, 83, listens to speakers during the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Federal Recognition Commemoration. LaSalle’s late husband, Robert, was a member of the tribe. She went in his place to celebrate the historic day.

Many neighboring tribes gave the Little Shell gifts. For Little Shell Chairman Gerald Gray, the support of fellow tribes from Montana and neighboring states was the best part of the entire night.

Clarence Sivertsen, First Vice Chairman of the Little Shell Tribe, weeps during the commemoration.

Musicians entertain people on the dance floor during the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Federal Recognition Commemoration.

Days after the Little Shell gained federal recognition, Chris La Tray tattooed the tribe’s new federal number on his knuckles. La Tray said his feelings about recognition remain complicated; he feels happy and yet is still ambivalent. “I view it as not something given to us but something that was returned to us. To me, it’s the government admitting their mistake.”

Donna Lunday does the Red River jig during the commemoration. Lunday and her husband came from Turtle Mountain, North Dakota, to support the tribe.