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Dec 21, 2006Dec 15, 2006
Governor Schweitzer gives Money Clips to tribes.
From the Great Falls Tribune
Schweitzer: Youthful reservations have great potential
By GWEN FLORIO
Tribune Capitol BureauHELENA — Indian Country has the potential to become the United States' equivalent of the so-called "Irish miracle," Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Wednesday in presenting the state's annual tribal relations report.
Schweitzer reminded representatives of the state's tribes that just a few years ago, Ireland was among the most impoverished countries in Europe, burdened by high unemployment and one of the youngest populations on the continent.
"Does that sound like any opportunities we have in a situation in Montana?" Schweitzer asked, in a clear reference to the state's seven reservations, which have the highest proportion of young people in Montana, and a winter unemployment rate that can hit 80 percent.
Ireland's economy, thanks to a plentiful workforce channeled into high-tech jobs, is now booming.
In Indian Country, the governor suggested that "we can train the population of young people to do the work, and then turn them loose."
Jobs are key, concurred Julia Doney, president of the Community Council at the Fort Belknap Reservation, where unemployment can reach 70 percent even in the summertime.
"All of our reservations really are economically disadvantaged because of their (isolated) locations and lack of natural resources," Doney said. "... The big thing that would really help is if a person had a job."
Schweitzer addressed a group conspicuously missing a member: There were no representatives of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes, which recently tangled with the governor over the terms of the gaming agreement on their Western Montana reservation.
Schweitzer said the Salish-Kootenai had a conflicting meeting Wednesday and Council Chairman James Steele Jr.'s grandfather died recently. No one from the tribes had called to let him know they wouldn't be attending, Schweitzer said.
Salish-Kootenai spokesman Rob McDonald confirmed that "family took precedence" for Steele, but said there was no mandatory tribal meeting Wednesday. However, he said, "there was no specific decision not to show up."
Schweitzer called gaming the "sticky wicket" of tribal issues, and said — as he did when the situation with the Salish-Kootenai Tribes reached a breaking point at the beginning of the month — that he had no power to expand the tribes' gaming agreements.
The state's relationship with the Indian tribes within its borders is in "uncharted territory," he said.
"We may take two steps forward, one back," he added. "This is a learning experience. If we have failures, it's not from lack of trying."
Representatives from the state's other tribes, including the landless Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa — headquartered is in Great Falls — attended the meeting on relations between the state government and the tribes, which are sovereign nations within the United States.
The mandatory annual report is a result of 2003 legislation sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder. It requires that the tribes have a say in development of state policies affecting them, and also requires that state employees receive training in Indian law and culture.
"While a few issues get a lot of press ... what this report shows is just how many things, how many programs, we touch together," said Dave Ewer, the administration's budget director. There are more than 300 cooperative agreements between the state and the tribes, he said.
Major Robinson, senior economic development specialist for the Governor's Office on Economic Opportunity and a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, reiterated that the 2005 Legislature allocated $1 million over two years for economic development in Indian Country.
That includes a total of nearly $500,000 in economic development grants to the reservations in Montana, among them $55,000 to the Chippewa Cree to assess the possibility of an ethanol plant; $55,000 to the Fort Belknap tribes for a meat-packing plant; and $55,000 to the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation for start-up loans for small businesses.
At a lunch after the meeting, Little Shell Vice President James Parker Shield presented Schweitzer with a beaded pendant, and a suggestion.
If Ireland's economic miracle is really a template for Indian Country, he half-jokingly suggested, maybe a trade mission to Ireland was in order?
For his part, Schweitzer presented tribal representative with money clips.
"Here's wishing you prosperity for the new year," he said, "and hoping you fill it with money for your people."
Contact Gwen Florio at 406-442-9493, or gfloriogreatfal.gannett.com
Dec 14, 2006
Great Falls MT city Commission places on Agenda for Dec 19, 2006 Resolution Supporting Federal Recognition of Little Shell Tribe
From the Great Falls City Commission
The City Commission of Great Falls Montana has placed upon the Calendar for Vote Resolution 9623 calling for the Federal Recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.
ALL Little Shell Tribal Members are encouraged to attend the December 19th Meeting of the City Commission and speak in favor of this resolution.
The City Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Their meeting place is the Commission Chambers located on the second floor of the Civic Center.
Here is a copy of the Agenda Notice: (PDF Version)
CITY OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA AGENDA # 7
A G E N D A R E P O R T
DATE: December 19, 2006
ITEM RESOLUTION 9623, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THE LITTLE SHELL TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF MONTANA
INITIATED BY THE LITTLE SHELL TRIBE
________________________
ACTION REQUESTED ADOPT RESOLUTION 9623
PRESENTED BY PEGGY BOURNE, CITY CLERK
------------
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Commission adopt Resolution 9623 on final reading.
MOTION
“I move the City Commission adopt Resolution 9623.”
SYNOPSIS
In 1984 the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana petitioned the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Federal Acknowledgements (OFA) for federal recognition, and has made several supplementary submissions to the OFA since then. On July 14, 2000, the OFA issued its favorable Proposed Findings to acknowledge the Tribe and requested additional information from the Tribe and the Little Shell Tribe responded to the OFA’s comments and requests and awaits the OFA’s review and analysis of the documentation. Federal recognition is expected to bring benefits and services to the Little Shell people, including health care and child welfare services.
In an effort to demonstrate community support for this formal recognition, leadership of the Little Shell requested local governments to adopt resolutions of support and forward them to the appropriate federal agency. In 2001, the State Legislature adopted a House Joint Resolution showing support. In 2004 and again in 2005 Cascade County adopted resolutions supporting the Little Shell recognition. In October 2006, Governor Schweitzer signed a declaration supporting recognition of the tribe.
Resolution 9623 is submitted to honor the request of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians for the City Commission to support the Tribe’s efforts to obtain recognition by the federal government.
Here is a copy of Resolution 9623: (PDF Version)
RESOLUTION 9623
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FEDERALLY RECOGNIZING THE
LITTLE SHELL TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF MONTANAWHEREAS, in 1984 the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana petitioned the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Federal Acknowledgements (OFA) for federal recognition, and has made several supplementary submissions to the OFA since then; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2000, the OFA issued its favorable Proposed Findings to acknowledge the Tribe and requested additional information from the Tribe; and
WHEREAS, the Little Shell Tribe responded to the OFA’s comments and requests and awaits the OFA’s review and analysis of the documentation; and
WHEREAS, federal recognition is expected to bring long-awaited benefits and services to the Little Shell people, including health care and child welfare services.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA that the City Commission supports the efforts of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians in obtaining recognition by the United States Department of the Interior so that tribal members may begin to participate in the services available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. The City Clerk is hereby directed to forward copies of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and the Little Shell Tribal Council.
PASSED by the Commission of the City of Great Falls, Montana, on this 19th day of December, 2006.
Dec 12, 2006
High School exhibit displays history of Hill 57 and Little Shell Tribe
By ERIN MADISON
Great Falls Tribune Staff WriterFrom Great Falls Tribune
Heather Rich didn't even know before this school year that Hill 57 existed, let alone that people lived there in shacks, scrounging for money and food.
Rich, 17, was one of 14 Skyline High School students who spent the last couple of months studying Hill 57 and other hills in Great Falls that the landless Little Shell Chippewa Tribe have called home in varying numbers from the 1920s through the 1980s.
The high schoolers' work went on display Dec. 1 at the High Plains Heritage Center History Museum.
Rich couldn't believe that the Indians who lived on Hill 57, Mount Royal and Wire Mill Road were so impoverished that they sifted through the town dump looking for scrap metal to sell, or that they had to beg for leftover meat from local butchers.
"I was amazed by it," said Kyra Tilson, 18, who also worked on the project.
The display at the heritage center includes black and white photos of Hill 57 in the 1950s, a report from interviews the class conducted and a stove taken from one of the houses on the hill.
"It's a story that has never really been told in pictures," said Curtis Valladolid, Skyline's Indian Education coordinator.
James Parker Shield, vice chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, chatted with museum visitors and glanced occasionally at the photos lining the wall during the exhibit opening.
The Skyline students interviewed Parker, who lived on Wire Mill Road periodically during his childhood, about life on the hills.
The students were surprised by some of the stories he shared with them, he said. They were surprised to hear that Indians were segregated into separate classes at Franklin Elementary School. They didn't realize the hardships people on the hills went through.
"I never really saw it as being that difficult because everybody around me lived the same way," Shield said.
Those communities were very tight knit, he added.
The federal government does not recognize the Little Shell Tribe. The tribe has been fighting for recognition for more than a century.
In October, Gov. Brian Schweitzer announced the state's recognition of the tribe.
Projects like the Skyline's help the tribe's battle for recognition because it helps raise awareness, Shield said.
"You don't grow up in Montana reading about us."
That's why projects like this are important to the tribe as it gains more attention.
"It's adding to that snowballing effect," he said.
Federal recognition would mean better access to education and health services for the tribe's roughly 4,300 members. It would also mean more money coming from the federal government to the tribes.
Most importantly, being federally recognized means having standing as a people and being entitled to dignity and respect as an Indian tribe, Shield said.
Rep. Denny Rehberg introduced a bill in July to formerly recognize the Little Shell Tribe.
Shield doubts the tribe will ever have a reservation, but if it is recognized, it would probably get some land in or near Great Falls for its headquarters, he said.
He would also like to see Hill 57 — the one with the "GF" painted on it that sits above the Valley View — neighborhood, designated as a historical site.
"People in Great Falls need to be reminded that Great Falls itself has a unique Indian history," he said.
The museum display was the first project of this kind that Skyline has done, said Scott Pasek, history teacher at the high school.
It was a very valuable learning experience for the students and the teachers, he said.
The school will most likely continue doing history projects like this, and there has been some discussion about the next subject the students will tackle, Pasek said. The history of jazz in Great Falls in the 1930s is one topic they're leaning toward.
Dec 5, 2006
Swearing In Ceremony for newly Elected Tribal Council Members announced
Click Here for a PDF Version of this Invitation.
You are cordially invited to attend the
Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Council
Swearing In Ceremony
To be held:
January 6, 2007
1:00 pm
Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Office
Westgate Mall
Great Falls Montana
Refreshments to follow
Come and meet your tribal council
John Sinclair – President
James Parker Shield – Vice Chairperson
Edward Lavenger – 2nd Vice Chairperson
Jessie Fuzesy – Secretary Treasurer
Newly elected at-large council members
Alvina Allen
Steve Doney
Louella Fredricksen
Dec 3, 2006
Official results in Little Shell election
Due to some mis-settings of the spam filter on the e-mail server, there was a delay in getting the official results from the Elections held this year for 3 "At-Large" Tribal Council Seats. Here they are.. With them are the Counts of total votes each of the Candidates received. Many Many Thanks to Toni Jo for getting these to me!
Votes were counted at 1pm December 1, 2006.
Russell Boham, Darrel Rummel and Toni Jo did the count. Caroline Fleury was a witness.
At Large Seats Filled: Total Votes Received Alvina Allen 123 Steve Doney 112 Louella Fredricksen 86 Remaining Candidates: Caroline Fleury 84 Richard Parenteau 66 Randy Randolph 62 Alfred McGillis 61 Carol Hofeldt 49 Mark Landrie 36(Note: only about .03% of the 4100 Enrolled Tribal Members actually voted in this election.)Contact the Tribal office for more information.
Nov 20, 2006
UnOfficial results in Little Shell election
UnOfficial Results are from Council bulletin Board, but no official notice from the Tribal Council by mail or even an auditing of how many votes each of the 9 candidates received or even a total of how many of the 4100 Tribal Members voted in this election were mentioned in the posting. Nor reasons why the Council President extended the voting time period. Please Contact the Tribal office for more information.
At-Large Council seats filled:Alvina Allen
One Candidate, Caroline Fleury, is raising concerns that this may be another Flawed election not conducted within the Tribal Consitutional guidelines,guidelines outlined in DOI/BIA Code of Federal Regulations Title 25, and the enabling act of Congress approved on the 18th day of June, 1934.
Steve Doney
Louella Fredricksen
Nov 17, 2006
Richard Parenteau gives thanks for help in CreditSmart Program this summer!
From Great Falls Tribune
"Thank you to all the volunteers, organizations, businesses and participants of the CREDITSMART classes held this past year at Westgate Mall: the staff at Westgate (John and Larry), Little Shell Tribe, NHS, Wells Fargo, Montana United Indian Association, Great Falls Indian Education Association, and the Indian Family Health Center, Subway, and the Coach Stop Trading Post. Others from the Native American Community included Mary Gopher, Skye and Belynda Gopher, Richard and Denise Gladeau, Steve and Tammy Parenteau and presentors the late Phil Procopio, Karen Crawford, Candace Hubbard, Gordon Plainbull, Jr., Henry Anderson, Klane King, and especially my co-instructor Vicky Augare!"
— Richard D. Parenteau, CreditSmart instructor, Great Falls
Nov 8, 2006
Little Shell Tribal President Extends Tribal Election by a week!
From Little Shell Chippewa News:
The Little Shell Tribal Council Election will be extended an additional week according to Chairman john Sinclair. Voting will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 12 noon to 4:00pm at the following polling sites:
Great Falls: 1807 3rd NW Ste 35A.........................406-452-2892 Browning: City Hall...................................406-338-7077 Havre: HDRC........................................406-265-2922 Helena: 436 N. Jackson..............................406-449-5796 Butte: 9:00am - 6:00pm NAIA 100 E Galena...........................406-782-0461 Billings: 711 Central Ave Ste 28......................406-238-0090The Candidates are (for 3 open At-Large Council Seats):Alvina Allen - Harlem
Steve Doney - Zortman
Caroline Fleury - Great Falls
Louella Fredricksen - Great Falls
Carol Hofeldt - Chinook
Mark Landrie - Billings
Alfred McGillis - Great Falls
Richard Parenteau - Great Falls
Randy Randolph - Havre
Absentee Ballots can be sent in before November 18, 2006 as well.
For More Inforation, Call 406-452-2892
Nov 5, 2006
Little Shell Tribal Council FINALLY mails out Absentee Ballots!!! Vote Today!
From LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster.
The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana has finally mailed out absentee ballots. They were mailed Monday November 6, 2005 leaving Tribal members less then 4 days to fill out the ballot and get them in the mail. This is the Notice Included in the Ballot:
Absentee ballots need to be POSTMARKED by Friday, November 10, 2006.
PLEASE note on the Envelope "ABSENTEE BALLOT".
Any question, please call the Littel Shell Chippewa Tribal Office at 406-452-2892.There are 9 Tribal Members who are running for three at-large Tribal Council Positions this year. You can only choose 3 candidates and no more. Those Running for office in the order as they appear on the Ballot is:
Alvina AllenAlthough the Election Committee neglected to print the Mailing Address to return your filled ballot, you can send the ballots to:
Steve Doney
Caroline Fleury
Louella Fredricksen
Carol Hofeldt
Mark Landrie
Alfred McGillis
Richard Parenteau
Randy Randolph
Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Office
ATTN: ABSENTEE BALLOT
PO Box 1384
Great Falls, MT 59403
Get them postmarked BEFORE This Friday, November 10, 2006 for your votes to be counted!
Contact Tribal office for any questions you have about the Tribal Elections in General or if you have not yet received your Absentee ballot.
For those voting in person on Saturday, November 11, 2006, this is the list of cities where the Council has setup polling places:
POLLING PLACES: POLLING TIMES: Great Falls 12-8 pm Havre 12-8 pm Helena 12-8 pm Browning/Cutbank 12-8 pmAddresses for the polling places were not included in the Latest Tribal Newsletter.
Please Contact the Tribal office to verify WHERE you will vote in your area.
Nov 3, 2006
Great Falls Mayor pledges city's support of tribe's quest for recognition
From Great Falls Tribune
By RYAN HALL
Great Falls Tribune Night City EditorMembers of the landless Little Shell Chippewa Tribe will likely get a new recognition in the next couple of weeks, though they will have to wait until at least 2007 to get the federal recognition they have sought for more than a century.
Great Falls Mayor Dona Stebbins told tribal members Saturday that the city is drafting a resolution to recognize the tribe. The announcement came during lunch at the Tribal Recognition and U.S. Policy Symposium, held at the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center.
Prior to officially making the announcement, Stebbins said she hoped the resolution, which may be adopted as soon as Nov. 17, would help support the tribe in its battle for federal recognition.
"Our landless Little Shells have had a pretty hard road," she said.
Just a little more than a week earlier, Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed a declaration Oct. 27 giving state recognition to the tribe.
In addition to Stebbins' announcement, the symposium featured a number of presentations focusing on the history of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, the requirements for federal recognition and an update of that plight.
Tribal Vice Chairman James Parker Shield noted the tribe received preliminary recognition in 2000, which was followed by a six-month comment period.
"That six months stretched out to six years," he said after speaking at the symposium.
"We've done everything they've said, we've been good little boys and girls, good little Indians and nothing ever happened," Shield told the symposium audience during his talk on recognition efforts.
The tribe now shifts its focus from the application process to congressional recognition.
In July, Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., introduced a bill in the House that would grant the Little Shells federal recognition, paving the way for federally funded programs and services to be available to the tribe.
That bill has yet to reach the floor and must be re-introduced in January, Shield said.
"We're going to do our part," he added.
Besides the Little Shell recognition presentations, the symposium also featured talks on Montana's Indian Education for All Act and urban and reservation Indian access to health care.
Nov 1, 2006
Interpretative center offers symposium on "Tribal Recognition and U.S. Policy"
Laura Ritter
Great Falls Tribune Staff WriterFrom Great Falls Tribune
"Tribal Recognition and U.S. Policy," will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Attendance is free, and lunch will be provided.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction has approved the workshop for six Renewal Units.
Indian and non-Indian leaders discuss the history of traditional Indian lands. Learn about the destructive effect of past policies and how federal recognition can restore pride.
Speakers include:
Carol Juneau, member of the Montana State Legislature and author of "American Indian Education for All"
James Parker Shield, vice-chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe
Russell Boham, Ph.D., instructor of Native American studies at Salish Kootenai College
Garland "Ping" Stiffarm, assistant area director of Billings Indian Health Services
June Pouesi, director of the Office of Samoan Affairs in Los Angeles
Anne Coyner, genealogical researcher
A representative from the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, Colo.
Symposium admission is free and lunch is provided. Teachers are eligible to receive renewal units through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Call 406-452-2892 for more information.
Oct 28, 2006
Indian vote could be the difference
By GWEN FLORIO
Great Falls Tribune Capitol BureauFrom Great Falls Tribune
HELENA — In these final few, frantic days of campaigning, there's a certain similarity in the voters being pursued by Republican U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns and his Democratic challenger, Jon Tester.
They're both spending time on the state's Indian reservations.
The numbers could explain why:
Several polls conducted this month show varying results, but several — with the exception of the Montana State University-Billings poll, which showed Tester leading Burns by 11 percentage points — see the race as virtually tied. The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which abandoned Montana in August, has come roaring back with $310,000 worth of last-minute ads.
Here's some more math:
Indian people comprise about 7 percent of the state's population. In 2004, nearly 42,000 Indian people were eligible to vote in Montana. That year, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian Schweitzer beat Republican Bob Brown by 4 percentage points, which translated to nearly 20,000 votes. More than 17,000 people voted on the reservations alone, according to one study, and more than half of Montana's Indian population lives off the reservations.
"Schweitzer was able to win because of the impact of the tribal vote. It was huge, huge," said Russ Lehman of Washington State, author of "Native Vote 2004: A National Survey and Analysis of Efforts to Increase the Native Vote In 2004 and the Results Achieved."
The state's Republican Party views districts with large Indian populations as so Democratic that it didn't bother to field legislative candidates in most of them.
"In close races in Montana, the Indian vote makes a difference," said Stan Juneau of Browning, a former Blackfeet Tribal Council member whose wife, Democrat Carol Juneau, is a state representative seeking a state Senate seat this year.
"I think this year, in the race between Burns and Tester, the reservation vote — the Indian vote — is going to be the deciding factor," Stan Juneau said.
Despite the attention being lavished upon them, tribes generally don't endorse candidates.
"We have to work with both parties," said James Steele Jr., chairman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Steele pointed out that with Gov. Brian Schweitzer and U.S. Sen. Max Baucus being Democrats, and Burns and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg being Republicans, it behooves tribes to be bipartisan.
"We have contributed to all (major) campaigns of the different parties," he said.
While not endorsing candidates, tribes are focusing on efforts to get out the vote. "Voting is a real powerful tool that our people have tended not to use," said Bruce Sunchild Sr., a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council on Rocky Boy's Reservation.
Indians did not receive the right to vote until 1924, and for decades, turnout on reservations remained abysmal.
That's changing. Lehman's study found that in 2004, voter turnout on the Fort Belknap reservation topped 80 percent of eligible voters, well ahead of the state average of about 67 percent.
Voting at Fort Belknap that year was driven in part by interest in a new voting district encompassing the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's reservations, but in general, voter turnout increased on all the state's reservations in 2004, Lehman found.
The aim is to see it go higher still this year, said Donald Spotted Tail, executive assistant to Crow Tribal Chairman Carl E. Venne. Volunteers are calling tribal members, urging them to vote on Election Day, and offering to provide a ride to the polls, if needed, he said.
"This is the first time, myself, (that) I've seen tribal members involved in the political arena," he said.
Tester, accompanied by Schweitzer, will have visited all seven reservations by week's end. Baucus is to join them Thursday on the Flathead Reservation, according to Tester's schedule.
"Jon Tester will represent all Montanans in the U.S. Senate. Montana's First Peoples are a vital part of this state's history and its future," said Tester campaign spokesman Matt McKenna.
Burns visited all seven reservations in October, as well as the Great Falls offices of the landless Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, said his campaign spokesman, Jason Klindt.
The latter stop resulted in a misunderstanding when the Burns campaign touted an endorsement from the Little Shell. But the endorsement wasn't from the tribe itself, but from a tribal members' Web site, said Robert Rudeseal of Denver, who runs the site.
Klindt said that tribes "have always been a priority for Conrad. ... I think they are appreciative of Conrad's efforts for them in the U.S. Senate."
Burns, who sits on the Interior Appropriations subcommittee that handles tribal issues, has directed more than $238 million in federal money to Montana's tribes during his 18 years in the Senate, Klindt said.
That works out to less than $2 million per year for each of Montana's seven reservations. Democrats especially criticized Burns for helping Michigan's delegation obtain $3 million in federal funds for a wealthy Michigan tribe that had donated $34,000 to his campaign.
The Saginaw Chippewa tribe was a client of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty earlier this year in a congressional influence-peddling scandal. Burns returned all the money — about $150,000 — that he received from Abramoff and his associates, and donated some of it to Montana's tribal colleges.
Contact Gwen Florio at 406-442-9493, or gfloriogreatfal.gannett.com
Oct 27, 2006
Governor recognizes Little Shell Tribe
By ERIC NEWHOUSE
Tribune Projects EditorFrom Great Falls Tribune
From AP Wire article via Billings Gazette
Montana's landless Little Shell Tribe finally won recognition Friday — but not from the federal government, yet.
On Friday, Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed and read a declaration supporting the tribe's century-old battle for federal recognition.
"I commit the Executive Branch and encourage the Legislative Branch of the state of Montana to acknowledge the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe and to work with the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe," the governor's declaration stated.
State Sen. Joe Tropila immediately pointed out that the Legislature is already on record as supporting such recognition.
"But thank you very much for your support," Tropila added. "We appreciate that."
"When seeking recognition from the federal government, it's important to have the support of your state," added Little Shell Vice Chairman James Parker Shield. "So this is an important day for us."
The governor also announced his support of a proposal to renovate a building that once housed workers for Morony Dam, northeast of town, for use as the Little Shell tribal headquarters.
The building, which is the only one left at the Morony Town Site, was donated to the state in the 1990s for use as a visitor center and trailhead for the North Shore Trail.
Shield said he has discussed that idea with officials from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, whom he described as quite receptive.
"We would like to manage the park for them and turn the big building into a tribal headquarters," he said. "And they've been quite willing to negotiate with us."
"The Fish, Wildlife & Parks response was that they could do that, but it would take some dollars to fix up," Schweitzer said. "And only the Legislature could do that."
He suggested that Tropila sponsor a bill to provide the money for the renovation.
"If the governor supports the renovation, I can support it," Tropila said.
Schweitzer also announced that his office will be sponsoring legislation next session to provide $200,000 for the Little Shell to write its history in its own words.
Finally, the governor asked permission to include the current site of the Little Shell tribal headquarters behind the Westgate Mall on the official state maps of Montana.
"It's a wonderful gesture," said tribal Chairman John Sinclair of Havre. "The Little Shell has always looked for any recognition, any scrap of recognition.
"I can see by your actions that you're sincere in recognizing our tribe, so we're honored to accept your offer," he added, as Shield nodded in agreement.
After the ceremony, tribal officials were asked about the status of tribal recognition by the federal government, which the Little Shell has sought for nearly 115 years.
"For years, we pursued the administrative route, which is a very complex process with a lot of hurdles," Shield said. "After a lot of frustration, our tribal council decided to seek recognition through Congress, which is what we're doing now."
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., is sponsoring a bill in the House of Representatives. U.S. Sens. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., and Max Baucus, D-Mont., have announced their support, but neither has sponsored similar legislation in the Senate, Shield said.
"We had been hoping for a companion bill that might put a little more pressure on Congress," Sinclair said.
Oct 12, 2006
Democrat Tester gives lip service to Little Shell Tribe and it's members then blows us off as not important, Republican Burns shows FULL support for our Sovereignty
From Great Falls Tribune
Burns seems intent upon showing he still has a few moves that could leave a newbie in the dust. Both candidates have been courting Montana's Indian tribes, with each meeting with the leaders of all seven reservations.
So far, though, only Burns visited the Great Falls office of the landless Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which has petitioned the government for more than a century for federal recognition. With 4,300 members, the Little Shell represent a tiny voting bloc.
But Burns won the tribe's appreciation with his visit last week, said tribal Vice Chairman James Parker Shield.
Shield said that when tribal representatives asked Tester if he'd support legislation to bypass Bureau of Indian Affairs red tape in the recognition process, Tester replied that he hadn't read the proposal, and couldn't commit to supporting it.
"I felt I was asking a general question in general terms," said Shield, a former chairman of Cascade County Republican Party. "He should have been able to give a yes or no answer."
However, Tester supports federal recognition for the Little Shell, and has voted in favor of it in the state Senate, according to his spokesman, Matt McKenna.
To Burns, Shield said, "We need your help."
Burns, in turn, asked for some help for himself.
Talk to your tribe's members, he urged Shield.
"Tell 'em to vote early and often," he said with a laugh, as he posed for photos beneath the feather bustle displayed on the wall, which Shield wears when he dances at powwows.
Then he donned his parka and ducked back out into the darkening day, heading through the persistent snowfall toward Lewistown and his next opportunity to ask still more people to vote for him just this once more.
Oct 5, 2006
From Great Falls Tribune Indian Civil Rights Commission to combat discrimination
Indian Civil Rights Commission to combat discrimination
Indian Civil Rights Commission to combat discrimination
By KAREN OGDEN
Tribune Enterprise EditorMontana tribes are teaming up to fight racism through a new group established for Indians, by Indians.
The Montana Indian Civil Rights Commission held its first meeting in Great Falls Tuesday at the headquarters of the Little Shell Tribe.
The group aims to fight racism and discrimination through education. When ugly incidents do happen, it will help victims — who often don't know where to turn — seek justice.
"Every tribe has their own horror story, believe me," said Blackfeet Tribal Councilman Rodney "Fish" Gervais, who is leading the effort.
Gervais is tracking a case in Cut Bank where someone allegedly urinated in a Blackfeet girl's tea at a restaurant. He would not release further details, but said racism is especially deep-rooted in border towns.
That's where the new group — with representatives from each of Montana's eight tribes, including the Little Shell — will focus its work, Gervais said.
Participating tribes support the fledgling group.
The commission plans to fight for broad civil rights causes as well as advocate on behalf of individual discrimination victims.
Gervais handed out a civil rights resource book at Tuesday's meeting.
Participants discussed housekeeping issues, such as bylaws, and talked about their hopes for the commission.
Education is crucial, said Susan Webber, who runs a consulting firm for business startups on the Blackfeet Reservation.
NonIndian lenders are reluctant to loan to Native entrepreneurs, even when they present a solid business plan, Webber said. Many harbor stereotypes. Some fear interference by the tribal council or a lack of recourse with the tribal court if plans go awry.
As a result, reservation economies suffer, she said.
Webber wants the commission to tackle stereotypes and misconceptions through education.
Education also is important for victims of discrimination, participants said.
Although there is recourse through agencies such as the state Human Rights Bureau, few seek it.
Many Native Americans were taught by their elders to keep quiet about discrimination, for fear they will be treated worse if they complain, Gervais said. Some are so accustomed to discrimination that they accept it, he added.
Others don't know where to turn, or are intimidated by dealing with government agencies that historically mistreated their people.
Tuesday's meeting was an example of how those attitudes are changing, Gervais said: "What you have is educated Indians who are standing up."
The commission will help victims navigate channels for filing civil rights complaints, he noted.
He would like to see the commission set up offices on every reservation, giving people a place to turn for help where "you have people of your color."
For more information about the Montana Indian Human Rights Commission, contact Gervais at 406-338-7179.
Webmaster Note: We will be forwarding the 2004/2005 civil rights and disenfranchisement complaint that was filed with the United States Justice Department concerning the violation of basic civil rights of Little Shell Tribal Members during the 2004 Tribal Elections.
Oct 2, 2006
Little Shell Tribal Elections for At-Large Council Members announced! Elections will be held November 11, 2006
HURRY TO CALL the Tribal office if you want to run for one of the three At-Large Positions!
The Council has only given a few days notice for anyone who wants to be a candidate for office, The Deadline has passed. Contact the Local office for information. (Deadline = October 10, 2006)!
Offices to be filled:
The Three at-large Little Shell council members whom shall serve 2 year terms.
Candidates:
To file for candidacy in this election, a candidate MUST send a LETTER OF INTENT to the Tribal office, which includes their name and a current mailing address, as well as the $35 Filing Fee (which covers administrative costs and criminal background check), by 5:00 pm October 10th, 2006. (you may want to include the platform you are running on.)
POLLING PLACES: POLLING TIMES: Great Falls 12-8 pm Havre 12-8 pm Helena 12-8 pm Browning/Cutbank 12-8 pmAddresses for the polling places were not included in the Latest Tribal Newsletter.
Please Contact the Tribal office to verify WHERE you will vote in your area.
To VOTE BY Absentee Ballot:
First, Call the Tribal office and request an Absentee Ballot Request Form. (Also look in the Tribal Newsletter). The Voter should mail the completed absentee ballot request form along with a self-address STAMPED (put enough postage for it to be delivered back to you!!) envelope. Photocopies can be made are allowed. This request should be sent to the Tribal office no later then 5:00pm, October 27, 2006. A ballot and instructions will then be mailed to the voter. Mail the request form and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Office
PO Box 1384 Great Falls, MT 59403
All Questions, complaints, referrals, and other information about this Election, contact the Tribal office only. Thank You!
Sept 28, 2006
From Great Falls Tribune Little Shell Tribe Crown's Chippewa Tribal Princess
A 13 year old girl from Great Falls, Cree Shield, has been crowned Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Princess.
Cree Shield had to show her proficiency in tribal history and culture, pow-wow etiquette and participate in a traditional dance exhibition at the annual Little Shell Pow-Wow and Metis Celebration in Lewistown over the Labor Day weekend.
First runner-up was Sarah Simpsonof Great Falls and second runner-up was Nihtawnemiw Bohamof St Ignatius.
Cree Shield is the daughter of Kristina and James Parker Shieldof Great Falls. She is an eighth-grader at East Middle School.
As Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Princess, she will represent her tribe at pow-wows, conferences, schools and public events throughout her year-long reign.
Sept 22, 2006
From Great Falls Tribune Little Shell Tribal Member's wife becomes new Indian Education department director to replace Director DeeAnna Leader
District names Indian Ed director
By KEILA SZPALLER
Tribune Staff WriterA new Indian Education department director is on her way to Great Falls.
Sandra Boham of St. Ignatius was offered the job Wednesday. She will begin work Oct. 16
Director DeeAnna Leader announced earlier this summer that she would depart at the end of September.
Boham said she sought the position because she has worked in Indian education for a long time and understands its importance.
"I believe that these kids need an opportunity to achieve their full potential," she said.
Those students need all their options open to them, she said, and they need to feel connected to their schools.
Boham has a master's degree in adult and higher education from Montana State University-Bozeman. She works as a financial aid specialist at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.
She has taught more than a dozen courses there, including "The Reservation Indian" and "History of Indians in the United States." She has also taught Native American studies and related courses at Humboldt State University and the College of the Redwoods, both in California.Boham stood out among the candidates because she believes that Native American students need to think beyond their high school education, said Dick Kuntz, assistant superintendent for secondary grades.
"That vision was there," said Kuntz, who was part of the hiring committee.
Her management and administrative skills also stood out, he said.
This year, the district focuses on implementing Montana Indian Education for All, which means teaching all students about the state's Native Americans.
Kuntz said he hopes that iniative helps Native students. Currently, none are in the district's gifted education program.
"We'll understand that culture better in our district, which we think will open more doors and more opportunities for our Native kids," he said.
Leader worked well as director, Kuntz said, and Boham can build on Leader's achievements and push students to a higher level.
"We're not challenging them enough," Kuntz said. "That's what we want this director to do."
Boham is a member of the Salish tribe and her husband, Russell Boham, is a Little Shell member. He is originally from Great Falls. They also bring their daughter, a high school freshman, to Great Falls.
Reach Tribune Staff Writer Keila Szpaller at 791-1466, 800-438-6600 or kszpalle@greatfal.gannett.com.
Webmaster Note: We would like to say "Welcome Back!" to the Boham family on their return to the City of Great Falls, Montana and we wish the best of luck to Mrs. Boham with her new position.
Sept 20, 2006
From Great Falls Tribune Great Falls Area students explore Indian history
Area students explore Indian history
By KEILA SZPALLER
Great Falls Tribune Staff WriterToday is Native American day, and today Shantel Ray knows a little bit more about Native American history.
Ray, a junior at Skyline Alternative High School, heard a presentation Thursday about reservation maps.
The talk was part of the Indian Education Department's activities during the month-long celebration of Native Americans.
Thursday, Indian Education Coordinator Curtis Valladolid showed the students a 1492 map of what is now the United States. Then, it was all Indian country, he said. Land for Natives shrunk in 1830 with the Indian Removal Act.
In 1851, two reservations in Montana were established — the Blackfeet and the Crow. Now, Montana has 12 tribes on seven reservations, and the reservation land has contracted.
During the presentation, Valladolid asked students questions about the tribes.
"What's so famous about the Little Shell?" he asked.
They're not federally recognized, and they're a landless tribe — Ray was interested to learn.
Donta Lauderdale, a Skyline senior, has lived in Montana for 10 years, and he too liked the talk.
He's been on reservations, he said, but "This is my first time getting more in-depth with their culture."
For participating in the presentation, the students receive various credits, such as art, literacy and U.S. or world history.
Along with celebrating Native American month, the class is part of a statewide push to teach all students about the Native American tribes, people, reservations and cultures in Montana
Sept 5, 2006
From Great Falls Tribune Benefis honors Indian culture
Benefis honors Indian culture
By PAULA WILMOT
Tribune Staff Writer
George Horse Capture Jr. sees the new Native American Welcoming Center at Benefis Healthcare as a place where natives can feel comfortable, a place where they can support each other through sickness to health.
Maggie Coffman sees it as a strong message that the hospital respects the Indians' ways.
It was good medicine all around at Tuesday's grand opening of the new 1,200-square-foot space set aside for Native American families to gather, wait and pray while their loved ones get medical attention upstairs.
Along with the Welcoming Center, the hospital has added a new staff position to help Indians deal with illness and hospitalization, often far away from home.
Victoria Augare is the hospital's first Native American patient advocate.
Russ Boham, a Little Shell Chippewa, gave Augare an eagle feather to post above the door. The breast feather signifies healing, Boham said.
"If it's over the door, all people will be blessed when they enter and have peace in their hearts," he said.
The center will serve as a contact point for reservation hospitals, clinics and families, as well as a place for family members to gather for meditation or traditional prayer. A comfortable place for families, the center also has a kids' corner.
Four tribal groups in the region served by Benefis worked on the committee that advised the hospital during the creation of the center, which features Indian art and historic photographs.
"It's a place for us to cry, laugh, smoke and smudge while our people are lying here sick and scared and don't know what to do," said Horse Capture, a Gros Ventre spiritual leader who traveled to the ceremony from Fort Belknap.
A traditional smudge marked Tuesday's dedication event.
"Smoking has nothing to do with cigarettes," Augare said. "Smudging makes smoke to ward off sickness and the smoke carries up to the Creator."
"I hope other hospitals follow and create places like this," Horse Capture added.
"This is to show our appreciation for your cultural ceremonies," said John Goodnow, Benefis president and CEO.
To express gratitude to hospital staff for caring for Native Americans, Earl Old Person, Chief of the Blackfeet, bestowed Blackfeet names on Kathie Avis, director of the Sletten Cancer Institute, and her husband Dr. Fred Avis, deputy medical director at the institute.
"Give her strength, knowledge, understanding and wisdom to help others in many years to come," Old Person said as he gave Kathie Avis the name Wise Bird Woman.
For Fred Avis to remain strong, like the buffalo, Old Person named him Buffalo Healer.
Fred Avis said he was "almost speechless at the honor," adding that he has enjoyed working with Native Americans on a number of things, in addition to the Welcoming Center. Among them are huge grants to study disparities in — and barriers to — care for Indian cancer patients and internships for newly graduated Native American nurses.
"This cultural diversity is why we came to Montana," said Coffman, a nurse practitioner. She said that she and her husband have traveled the world to see drum ceremonies like she saw Tuesday.
Cultural education for Benefis employees is another new emphasis, Avis said.
"Native American's have helped us find solutions. They've had as much to do with this as we have," he added.
Tribal representatives presented blankets to several Benefis officials. In turn, Benefis served a lunch of buffalo stew and fry bread.
"We all know what a bad rap hospital food gets," joked Mary Ellen LaFromboise, a Blackfeet, who emceed the program. She added that she was optimistic about the feast.
November 16, 2005
From Helena Independant Record House bill seeks to improve cemeteries for Native American veterans
House bill seeks to improve cemeteries for Indian veterans
WASHINGTON - Traditionally, when American Indians are killed in battle, their remains are returned to their tribal lands for burial.
But for the families of the many Indians who join the U.S. military, death brings a difficult choice: The veterans can be buried in a national veterans' cemetery with fellow comrades in arms. Or they can be buried close to home on tribal land.
There is no way to do both.
The Native American Veterans Cemetery Act would change that.
Rep. Tom Udall, the New Mexico Democrat who wrote the bill, said it would authorize states to provide grants financed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the development or improvement of veterans' cemeteries on tribal land. At present, tribal governments are not eligible for department money.
In June, Udall's measure was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Both the House and the Senate included it in comprehensive veterans' bills approved last month. The next step is for those bills to be reconciled by a conference committee after Congress returns in September.
Nearly 20,000 people classified as Native American/Alaskan Native are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, according to the Defense Department's most recent tally, from December 2005. By the end of 2006, there will be an estimated 181,361 American Indian veterans, according to the VA. The National Native American Veterans Association estimates that 22 percent of American Indians 18 years or older are veterans.
''This is about recognizing that it's not just states that have rights - tribes, too, should have rights,'' Udall said in a recent interview.
There are 562 federally recognized tribes in the United States. New Mexico alone has 22 tribal reservations, and the population of Udall's district is 19 percent Indian.
Explaining the importance of being buried close to home, Thomas Berry, a Navy veteran and a founder of the two-year-old National Native American Veterans Association, said tribes have sacred ceremonies and rituals to honor the dead and ease passage into the next life.
''If a Native American is buried in a national cemetery, a lot of the rituals cannot be performed because of coding restrictions and regulations,'' Berry said. ''So it's important to us to have a place on tribal land to bury our veterans.''
November 9, 2005
Little Shell Office needs Tribal Survey's returned!!
By LittleShellTribe Webmaster:
The Little Shell Main Office has recently sent out a survey to all enrolled Little Shell, they were sent to Families (Close to 3000) as opposed to individuals. The deadline for the survey was November 15, 2005. The office is requesting that ALL Surveys be returned regardless of the Date. (Don't throw them out, go ahead and fill them in and send them back to the office). The survey data will be used to apply for Tribal Grants, Federal Recognition, etc. Do not dispair if you have not personally received a survey, your family should have received one. If anyone has any questions, please call the Main Office at 406-452-2892
November 2, 2005
Cascade County Backs Little Shell; to allow County to be "Home Base" for Tribe
By KIM SKORNOGOSKI
Tribune Staff Writer
County commissioners agreed Tuesday to let Cascade County be the home base for the landless Little Shell Tribe.
The decision would set up medical and government services on 200 acres in the county.
While that sounds like big progress, it all hinges on federal recognition — something the tribe has been fighting to earn for more than 20 years.
The U.S. Interior Department granted the Little Shell preliminary recognition in 2000, opening it to discussion for the next six months. Five years later, the tribe still doesn't have reservation land, housing, medical care and other benefits that come with federal recognition.
The Little Shell, consisting of more than 4,000 Chippewa Indians, began the process in 1984. Historically, tribes received recognition through treaties, legislation or administrative decisions.
The tribe recently kicked up its efforts, urging Rep. Denny Rehberg to expedite the process by putting it before Congress instead of the Department of the Interior.
"We're tired of waiting," tribal Vice President James Parker Shield said. "There are people that are dying while waiting for this."
In their vote Tuesday, the commissioners backed the Little Shell's efforts and said once they are recognized they will discuss selling or leasing land for their home base.
Where that is, whether it's county, state, federal or private land and exactly how much will be determined during negotiations.
The Little Shell want to strengthen their position before the federal government by obtaining the support of county governments. They asked Glacier, Blaine, Hill and Fergus counties to pass similar resolutions. Except for Fergus, the counties were chosen because they are where a number of Little Shell live.
Last week, Hill County balked at giving up land, saying plans were too nebulous and that the county didn't want to lose taxable property.
"We support their efforts to become recognized as a tribe," Hill County Commissioner Doug Kaercher said. "Until there's something more concrete to support, I feel I wouldn't be doing my duty in gathering all the information before making a decision."
Shield said the tribe is backing off its plans outside Cascade County. Instead, it hopes to set up field offices in the four counties where tribal members could get job training, information to build new businesses and learn tribal news.
Before Cascade County Commissioners voted Tuesday, Shield eased common concerns — the Little Shell would need just a small piece of land, not the thousands of acres most of Montana's reservations have, and he vowed the land wouldn't house casinos.
"The day that (recognition) comes, we're going to need a small piece of land to build our tribal headquarters," Shield said.
Cascade County would be an ideal headquarters, he said, because it's centrally located and home to the largest concentration of enrolled members. Roughly 800 Little Shell live here.
"We're in support of their recognition, even if it means giving up 200 acres," Commissioner Lance Olson said. "They're headquarters may eventually be outside of Cascade County. We'd like it to be here."
Shield said the headquarters would likely be on agriculture land, located close to Great Falls.
Having the headquarters in Cascade County could help the economy, as the tribe would look at building a cultural center and hold ceremonies here, Shield said.
"All of this would bring another player to the local economy," he said. "Our federal recognition would provide more services and jobs to our people. And after 100 years, we'll have a homeland, a place to point to and say is ours."
Reach Tribune Staff Writer Kim Skornogoski at 791-6574, (800) 438-6600 or kskornog@greatfal.gannett.com.
November 9, 2005: Indianz.com Article
November 9, 2005: Great Falls Tribune Article
October 15, 2005
Little Shell seek Hill County support for a reservation
Ellen Thompson
Havre Daily News
ethompson@havredailynews.com
Representatives of the Little Shell Indian Tribe asked the Hill County Commission on Monday to sign a resolution supporting the tribe's effort to get federal recognition that might also mean the acquisition of land for a small reservation in Hill County. The commissioners said Monday they need to review the resolution.The commissioners agreed that if the Little Shell are federally recognized, the county may have no say over whether land is taken off the county tax rolls and given to the now-landless tribe, but they said their policy is to oppose the loss of any taxable property.
“That's been our stance with the Chippewa Cree Tribe,” Hill County Commission chair Kathy Bessette said. The issue has come up when residents of Box Elder have tried to have their homes annexed to the reservation, she said.
“We support your quest,” Bessette added.
The Little Shell tribal council has prepared similar resolutions for five counties to help pave the way for federal legislation, tribal chairman John Sinclair said today. The legislation is to be introduced this year by Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., Sinclair said. The resolution before the Hill County Commission was proposed by Rehberg's office, Sinclair said.
“They wanted to be sure they're not stepping on anybody's toes,” he said.
Cascade, Hill, Blaine, Fergus and Glacier counties have each signed resolutions supporting federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe, but Rehberg's office wanted to be sure the counties know that if the tribe receives recognition, it could mean a loss of tax base in the county where a reservation is established.
The Cascade County Commission has indicated that it will support the resolution, Sinclair said. The Cascade County Attorney's Office is drafting a resolution based on what the tribe submitted, he said.
The proposal is for 200 acres as a land base where the tribe could have a hospital and other services, vice chair James Parker Shield said today. He said the tribe would hope the land would come from federal land such as U.S. Bureau of Land Management land, so no county would lose funds.
If the Hill County commissioners don't agree to the proposal, it's not likely to harm the effort to get land and recognition, Sinclair said.
“We'll still go on. We'll have the Cascade resolution. We'll hopefully soon have Glacier and Blaine. We'll just have to bypass Hill County, which would be a shame,” he said.
Sinclair said the tribe's ideal is to have a base in Cascade County and satellite offices, including trust land, in four other counties. What actually is established would be determined by the legislation.
If Hill County decided not to agree to support the possible loss of taxable property, it might consider writing a resolution that reiterates the county's support for the tribe's effort at recognition.
“The most important item, of course, is to keep our support that we do have among the counties for the federal recognition,” Parker Shield said.
The Little Shell are also trying to be recognized through an administrative process of the U.S. Department of Interior's Office of Federal Acknowledgment.
“We're going (the legislative) way, one, to speed it up, and. two, if (the Office of Federal Acknowledgment) comes back with a negative result,” the tribe has another way to be recognized, Sinclair said.
If the tribe is recognized through Interior, counties would have less control over how a reservation is established than if it's done through legislation sponsored by the state's own congressional delegation, Sinclair said.
He said he hopes to hear back from the Hill County Commission soon and “allay their concerns, hopefully.”
“I can see Hill County's point. If they are opposing adding Chippewa Cree land into trust, they are trying to be consistent,” Sinclair said. “The ball is in their court and we're waiting for them to come back for us.”
November 2, 2005: Indianz.com Article
November 2, 2005: Havre Daily News Article
October 11, 2005
Historic tour takes place on Hill 57
By KAREN OGDEN
Tribune Enterprise Editor
HELENA — Members of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's administration toured Hill 57 northwest of Great Falls Friday during a historic meeting with the Little Shell Tribe.
The visit marks the first time a Montana governor has sent administration officials to meet the Little Shell on their turf, according to Little Shell Vice Chairman James Parker Shield.
Shield said Schweitzer planned to attend the meeting, but canceled to attend the funeral of Andrew Bedard, a 19-year-old Marine from Missoula who was killed in Iraq Oct. 3.
"We understand that," said Shield. "It was historic that they even went to Hill 57, one of our community sites, and saw for themselves our tribal history."
The hill was once home to dozens of Little Shell families, who established a settlement there as Montana's only landless tribe.
The "57" in the name comes from a giant number 57 made of white stones on the hill to advertise Heinz ketchup.
Over the decades, the hill became a symbol of Indian poverty and segregation in Montana. But to the Little Shell, it is also a place where the scattered tribe's heritage was preserved in daily life and through sweat lodges, giveaways and other ceremonies.
Known as Montana's "landless Indians" because their tribe lacks a reservation homeland, the Little Shell have about 4,000 enrolled members.
Although the Little Shell won recognition from the state in the 1990s, the tribe has fought for decades to win federal recognition. The Interior Department granted preliminary recognition five years ago, but has not followed through with a final decision.
The Little Shell now are working with the five counties where they have the most members to try to get land, including in Cascade County.
Friday's visit was part of Schweitzer's effort to pay a personal visit to each of Montana's tribal nations, said Anna Whiting-Sorrell, a deputy policy advisor for Schweitzer and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.
In addition to the tour, the governor's delegation met with tribal officials at their Great Falls headquarters in Westgate Mall.
Officials with the governor's office asked the tribe to appoint a working group to meet with state officials over the next few months, Shield said.
The goal of the meetings is to define the tribe's relationship with the state government, Whiting-Sorrell said.
That relationship will determine, among other things, how tribal members might access state services through the tribal government.
"Part of what makes this historic is we're really trying to clarify what the relationship is," Whiting-Sorrell said. "We're trying to do this in a very deliberate, methodical fashion."
Other representatives from the governor's staff at the meeting were Indian Affairs Coordinator Reno Charette, Tribal Economic Development Specialist Major Robinson and Judy Paynter and Deanne Sandholm from the Office of Budget and Planning.
The other Little Shell members present were Chairman John Sinclair and council members Alvina Allen and Steve Doney.
October 15, 2005: Great Falls Tribune ArticleAugust 30, 2005
Little Shell Warrior loses home to fire
Guardsman's house burns down in Cascade - Coming home for leave, man sees home ablaze
By ERIC NEWHOUSE
Great Falls Tribune Projects Editor
CASACADE — First Lt. Richard Salois looked forward to seeing his eldest daughter as he drove toward Cascade Sunday, home for a week's leave from Fort Riley, Kan.
Instead, as he drew near, he saw his worst nightmare; his house was on fire.
"I was afraid our daughter was still in the house," said Salois, a member of the 190th Military Police Company, currently deployed to Fort Riley, Kan.
Firefighters quickly told him that 15-year-old Cierra was safe at the fire station.
But within 30 minutes the house was gone.
The family was unable to insure the home because of its age and the condition of the wiring, said Salois' wife, Heather Salois.
"Richard hadn't even got home yet, and he lost everything," said his father, Roger Salois, a former councilman for the Little Shell Tribe.
Salois is one of about 120 military policeman with the Montana Army National Guard deployed since last November to backfill for units serving in Iraq.
Leaving their children with his parents, his wife flew to Fort Riley to join him last weekend, then the couple drove to Great Falls Sunday for a week's leave to attend a family wedding.
They had picked up their two youngest children, Chance 13, and Cheyenne, 11, and were on the way home when the fire broke out.
Cierra, a freshman at Cascade High School, was in the house waiting for her parents, finishing homework due on Monday, said her mother.
"When she saw smoke, she did everything she was supposed to do," she said.
"She dropped to her knees, grabbed the portable phone, crawled out of the house and called for help."
Heather Salois said fire investigators told them the cause of the fire was electrical.
Capt. Ray St. Onge, the county fire coordinator, was off duty Monday for Columbus Day and unavailable for comment.
Neighbors already have begun to offer assistance, said Richard Salois, adding: "Small towns are good that way.
"But we're going to have to sit down and talk about what we're going to do," he said. "We lost everything but the clothes on our backs."
August 30, 2005
Cash Sought To Help Hurricane Victims, Volunteers Should Not Self-Dispatch
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FEMA News)-- Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states, according to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. But, volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency.
“Cash donations are especially helpful to victims,” Brown said. “They allow volunteer agencies to issue cash vouchers to victims so they can meet their needs. Cash donations also allow agencies to avoid the labor-intensive need to store, sort, pack and distribute donated goods. Donated money prevents, too, the prohibitive cost of air or sea transportation that donated goods require.”
Volunteer agencies provide a wide variety of services after disasters, such as clean up, childcare, housing repair, crisis counseling, sheltering and food.
“We’re grateful for the outpouring of support already,” Brown said. “But it’s important that volunteer response is coordinated by the professionals who can direct volunteers with the appropriate skills to the hardest-hit areas where they are needed most. Self-dispatched volunteers and especially sightseers can put themselves and others in harm’s way and hamper rescue efforts.”
Here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers.
Donate cash to:
American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
Operation Blessing 1-800-436-6348
America’s Second Harvest 1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services 1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA 703 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee 1-800-848-5818
Church World Service 1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope 417-823-8998
Lutheran Disaster Response 800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service 717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response 888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 800-872-3283
Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583
For further information: visit the website for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at: http://www.nvoad.org/.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
For FULL and Accurate news of the Katrina Disaster and ways you can help, Go to: http://www.disasternews.net/
Beware of "Commercial", "Third Party", and "Fake" organizations when donating your money to help disaster victims. To learn how to NOT become a "Donation Victim", Read this Article: Make sure your donation counts
August 5, 2005
by ANNETTE HAYDEN Lewistown Montana 2005 Metis Celebration and Pow Wow begins Sept 1
News-Argus staff writer
The cultural enchantment of the 2005 Metis Celebration and Pow Wow will come to Lewistown and the Fergus County Fairgrounds Sept. 1 – 4, and there is no admission fee. Festivities celebrating the Metis’ contribution to the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery will kick off with the Metis National Anthem at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“The entire weekend of events is free and open to the public,” said steering committee member John LaFountain of Billings. “There will be Native American fiddlers, dancers, singers, and crafters from throughout the United States and Canada, and we want to make sure everybody knows they are welcome to come out to the fairgrounds and enjoy themselves.”
Tipis and other pieces of the Metis culture will be on display in Lewistown next week as the annual Metis Celebration begins. The annual celebration is a family event and an opportunity to let children experience Native American cultures that are part of the area’s history. Native American dance demonstrations and contests, raffles, displays, games, storytelling, cultural demonstrations, concessions, and more, promise to engage visitors in the commemoration of Montana’s native beginnings.
Pow Wow dancing and contest categories will include youth, men’s, and women’s, in fancy, traditional, grass, and jingle dance with prizes in each category and an open registration.
A music talent contest, open to all, will also begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, with cash prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners.
“The winners will be chosen by people’s choice,” said event coordinator Ron LaFountain, of Music Is in Lewistown. “All singers and musicians are welcome. Audience members are welcome, too.”
The Pow Wow opens at 1:30 p.m. Friday, giving visitors to the area time to enjoy downtown Lewistown. Numerous activities will then take place throughout the afternoon and evening, including an auction at 8 p.m.
“People attending the celebration bring items for the auction, so we are not sure what all will be there,” said John LaFountain. “I am hand-crafting a diamond willow walking stick with a crystal on top for the auction, and I know there will be paintings, but everything else will be a surprise.”
The auction is a big part of financing the annual celebration, according to John LaFountain. “There are no admission or entry fees during the celebration, so we really count on income from the auction.” Central Montanans are welcome to donate items to the auction, in support of the event, and will receive recognition. Items can either be delivered to Music Is in Lewistown or taken to the fairgrounds Thursday and Friday.
The Metis Celebration parade, at noon on Saturday, is also “open to everyone interested in participating,” according to coordinator Martina Tafolla, of Havre. “All entries for the parade should depict life pre-1900,” she said. “The parade is being sponsored by the Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program and category prizes will be awarded to winning entries.”
Parade winners will include three adult categories including horse and rider, walker/costume/dancer, and floats, which also need to be decorated pre-1900. Two youth category winners will include horse and rider, and walker/costume/dancer. No prior registration is required to enter the parade. Lineup will begin at 11 a.m. on 7th Ave. South starting at the Lewistown Library.
The Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program will promote health with a one mile Wellness Walk on Sunday. “The walk will start at 9:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds and there will be T-shirts, water, and I am not sure what else,” said Tafolla.
Free camping set-up at the Fergus County Fairgrounds begins at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1. Tipi poles, drinking water and showers are available. There is a fee for electrical hook-up. Alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, and dogs are prohibited during the event.
For more information about the Metis Celebration, call Robert LaFountain at 248-2948; about the Pow Wow, call Robert LaFountain at 248-2948; about concessions and camper parking, call Donna Walraven at 452-2812; about the parade or Wellness Walk, call Martina Tafolla at 945-2356.
Schedule of 2005 Metis Celebration events
All Metis Celebration events occur at the Fergus County Fairgrounds
Thursday, Sept. 1:
3 p.m. - Open camp and set up.
7 p.m. - Metis National Anthem and opening ceremony
7:10 p.m. - Talent contest sponsored by Music Is. Cash prizes. Fiddling, dancing and open mike after the contest.
Friday, Sept. 2:
1:30 p.m. – Speakers.
7 p.m. – Metis National Anthem. Dance demonstration with Caroyln Truscott. Fiddling and dancing.
8 p.m. – Live auction of handcrafted and donated items. Proceeds support the annual event.
9 p.m. – Fiddling and dancing.
Saturday, Sept. 3:
9:30 a.m. – Little Shell/Metis Panel.
11 a.m. – Parade line-up on 7th Ave. South in Lewistown.
Noon – Parade begins.
1:30 p.m. – Grand Entry and Pow Wow.
5:30 p.m. – Metis Feed - open to the public.
7 p.m. – Grand Entry and Pow Wow.
Sunday, Sept. 4:
9:30 a.m. – Wellness Walk/1 mile, sponsored by the Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program. T-shirts and water available.
1 p.m. – Grand Entry and Pow Wow.
6 p.m. – Closing Ceremony and evening socializing.
July 27, 2005
By Robert D. Rudeseal Little Shell Tribal Council send Condolences and support to Little Shell Family
LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster
My Father, Robert Pearson Rudeseal, passed early July 28, 2005 at the age of 68. Vice-Chairman James Parker Shields has sent a Condolence letter to myself and my family. Although my father was not Little Shell, surviving him are a wife Dixie Anne, three sons, Thomas Wayne, Robert Dean, Mark Eric, and a daughter Toni Marie, who are all enrolled members of the Little Shell Tribe. Part of his ashes were spread around the Little Big Horn Battlefield as he had always said he wanted to know what happened there. The remainder will be spread in the mountains he so loved next year.
I want to send my personal and my families thanks and gratitude to the Little Shell Tribal Council and in particular to Vice-Chairman James Parker Shields for their thoughts and prayers. If other Little Shell Tribal Members would like to send their condolences, please do not e-mail me, but send them directly to my mother as she needs the most support from the Tribe:
Address removed
July 4, 2005
By Indianz.com Feburary 2007 is for the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Federal Recognition FINAL Determination
The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to make decisions affecting the federal recognition of 17 tribes within the next two years, according to documents recently filed in federal court.
A declaration by R. Lee Fleming, the chief of the Office of Federal Acknowledgment, and a summary of recognition cases give an update on the BIA's heavy workload. As of February 4, there are seven groups on the "active" list 12 groups on the "ready" list, and two groups on the "reconsidered" list, according to the documents.
At the same time, the agency is still working with a limited amount of staff and resources. Fleming's office currently employs 10 people, down from the 12 or 13 in years prior, and has contracts with seven others. The recent retirement of an anthropologist means the BIA only has two full teams, instead of the usual three, working on recognition cases.
The teams are currently working on the seven cases that are under "active" consideration. The cases are: the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenakis of Vermont (proposed finding by September 2005); the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana (final determination by February 2007); the Steilacoom Tribe of Washington (final determination by January 2007); the Biloxi, Chitimacha Confederation of Muskogees of Louisiana (amended proposed finding by October 2005); the Port Au Chien Indian Tribe of Louisiana (amended proposed finding by October 2005); the United Houma Nation of Louisiana (final determination by October 2006); and the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan (final determination by February 2006).
For the Full Story along with Relevant Documents and LST Timetable, go to the News Page.
For more information contact the Little Shell Tribe Main office at:
Address:
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana
Box 1384
1807 3rd St NW Ste 35A
Great Falls, MT 59403
Phone: (406) 452-2892
Fax: (406) 452-2982
E-Mail: lstgtfalls@bresnan.net
June 28, 2005
By ERIC NEWHOUSE The Little Shell Tribe is "Tired of Waiting"
Great Falls Tribune Projects Editor
Montana's Little Shell Tribe is switching strategy after waiting 113 years for recognition from the federal government. It's also talking with Cascade County commissioners about leasing land for a "tribal capitol." "We got preliminary recognition (from the Interior Department) four years ago, but we never heard anything since," said Vice Chairman James Parker Shield. "So we've decided to submit a congressional recognition bill because we're tired of waiting." Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., have agreed to sponsor legislation, he said. Rehberg said he's enthusiastic about sponsoring such a bill.For the Full Story along with the Relevant Documents, go to the News Page.
May 20, 2005
By Toni Jo Atchison Little Shell Tribe Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program has a Job opening!
Little Shell Tribe Tobacco Specialist
The Little Shell Tribe Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program has an opening for a Program Analyst in Great Falls Montana.
Provide the overall clerical support to the Little Shell Tribe Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program. Must be self motivated. Knowledge of office practices/procedures with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and other computer software. Good work ethics and people skills a must. Drug-free workplace. Knowledge of Little Shell Tribal history.
Must be postmarked by closing date: 7/13/05.
For Full Information about this opening including address to send Resume, go to the Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program Webpage at: Tobacco.LittleShellTribe.org
May 27, 2005
Little Shell Vice Chairman Congratulates GED Graduates at Skyline Education Center
By KEILA SZPALLER Proud night for nine graduates
Great Falls Tribune Staff Writer
Helen Tapp held her son's hand as she marched to Pomp and Circumstance.
Nine Great Falls students wearing navy blue caps and gowns marched at Skyline Education Center Thursday night. All faced obstacles, overcame them and received a GED (General Education Development), equivalent to a high school diploma.
Tapp's children, 7 and 1, inspired her to finish.
"In order to expect my child to graduate from school, I need to do that myself," said Tapp, 23.
James Parker Shield, who identified himself as "a fellow GEDer," spoke to an audience of roughly 75.
"I have a special place in my heart for these types of schools and these types of students," said Parker Shield, vice chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.
He relates. He flunked first grade and failed eighth grade twice. Later, he received his GED.
Parker Shield asked the students to memorize a Booker T. Washington quote: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed."
The students saw obstacles and dark days. Illness, laziness, drugs and family pressures pulled them away from high school.
Tori Simpson, 17, moved to Montana from Idaho one year ago. The move stressed her out, and she neglected her homework.
Nick Kynett, 18, described himself as "lazy." His mother, who stood next to him, nodded in agreement.
Vicky George, 23, fell ill with bronchitis.
Methamphetamine consumed Sean Root, 23, for much of his adult life.
Their lives turned around. This year, 122 students received GEDs from Skyline. Nine chose to march this trimester. Thursday night, their futures looked bright.
Simpson would like to be an Emergency Medical Technician.
Kynett recently joined the Montana Air Guard and hopes to attend the University of Montana in one year.
Just last week, George opened her own business, a detail shop. She plans to learn medical transcribing, too.
Root hopes to counsel others with chemical dependency.
His wife, Erin Root, stood next to him, rocking 1-year-old Connor on her hip.
"I was really proud of him," she said. "He's been wanting to do this for a long time."
May 27, 2005 Article in Great Falls Tribune: Proud night for nine graduates
April 22, 2005
From Indianz.com Website: Judge threatens Chippewa group with contempt
The Little Shell Pembina Band of North America, a self-proclaimed tribe of Chippewa Indians, has been warned not to try to enforce its tribal court rulings.
U.S. District Judge Garr M. King in Oregon said the band was more than welcome to hold its own trials and issue judgments. But she said she would hold its officials in contempt if they tried to enforce the rulings.
The Little Shell Pembina Band claims descent from Chippewa Chief Little Shell. However, the group is not affiliated with the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana, whose legitimacy is embraced by other tribes and the state, and whose federal recognition has been given a favorable review by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and by the courts.
The Little Shell Pembina Band has been accused more than once of using its alleged sovereign status to skirt laws. The Anti-Defamation League has labeled the group "extremist."
*****LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster Note: Previous Tribal Council Press Releases have stated emphatically that the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana has no official contact or affilitation with either the "Little Shell Pembina Band of North America" nor the "Pembina Nation Little Shell Band of North America" both of whom claim to be the descendants of and a continuance of the Pembina Council set up by Chief Little Shell III to dispute the "Ten-Cent Treaty" (McCumber Agreement of October 22, 1892).*****
For Further Reading about these Groups and articles:
Anti-Defamation League webpage on extremism of the Little Shell Pembina Band of North America.
Article in "The Oregon Live" explaining why a Federal Judge ruled that a "Self-Proclaimed" Judge cannot enforce rulings
Official Website of the Little Shell Pembina Band of North America
Official Website of the Pembina Nation Little Shell Tribe of North America
March 22, 2005
Official Little Shell Tribal Council Press Release: Little Shell Tribal Office needs ALL Enrolled Tribal Members to Respond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Enrollment Office of the Little Shell Tribe in compliance with the Bureau Of Indian of Affairs, Office of Acknowledgement is notifying all tribal members that the tribe needs current street address or detailed directions to their homes. This is to include those that have sent in applications and are in pending enrollment status. Members and applicants are asked to please send this by mail, e-mail, fax or call the office as soon as possible.
According to John Sinclair, Tribal Chairman, "updating our tribal members residence and location is a key part of the quest for federal recognition".
Contact person:
Darrel Koke
Little Shell Tribal Office
Phone: (406) 452-2892
Fax: (406) 452-2982
E-Mail: lstgtfalls@bresnan.net
1807 3rd St NW 35A.
PO Box 1384
Great Falls, MT 59403
March 15, 2005
By LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Little Shell Tribal Members offer support and prayers to Red Lake Chippewa Tribal members
Little Shell Tribal Members express their support and prayers to our brethren families of those affected by yesterday's horrible shooting at Red Lake High School in northern Minnesota. We mourn for those killed and wounded and offer our prayers and support to the survivors and to the Red Lake Tribe as a whole.
Cards and condolences can be sent to the Red Lake Tribal Council at:
RED LAKE TRIBAL COUNCIL
PO BOX 550
RED LAKE, MINNESOTA 56671
VOICE 218-679-3341 FAX 218-679-3378
Red Lake Nation of Chippewa website
March 4, 2005
By LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Lewistown Photography Studio get Renovation
Many Little Shell Tribal members have stored in their basements, attics, and old shoeboxes, picture postcards of our ancestors. Imprinted upon those pictures are "Culver Studios". Culver Studios is located in Lewistown Montana and is one of the most historic buildings in town and was built in 1899. It has been bought by Harley and Carol Eads, who will renovate the building back to it's original condition. They are also looking for "Culver Treasure" that may be hidden within the building.
To read an article by the Lewistown News Argus, go to the News page for the story of it's renovation, the History of the building, and how William H. Culver’s exploits interacted with Little Shell Tribal Members.
Little Shell News Page
Febuary 1, 2005
By LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Little Shell Tribal Member sends Greetings from the Iraqi Front
Click Image above for full picture of Richard
with an Iron Horse unit he was working with
in one of a variety of missions he has
performed in Iraq.
Richard Parenteau Sends a Big Hello from Camp Warrior near Kirkuk, Iraq. He says he is doing well and has been all over the country.
Quotes Richard: "The picture that I sent is a group of guys that I had the pleasure to work with on a variety of missions right before the historical elections in this country. Pretty dangerous work, but we completed all missions. If anyone wants to e-mail me or just say hi, my e-mail is parenteaurichard@yahoo.com".
I think I speak for all Little Shell Tribal Members in sending out our Prayers, Pride, and heartfelt graditude for Richard's and other Tribal Members serving in the US Armed Forces for their safekeeping and accomplishment of their mission to protect us here in the homeland against our enemies. Godspeed Richard and I hope we hear back from you soon!
January 24, 2005
By By SCOTT McMILLION Bozeman Daily Chronicle Staff Writer: Bill sets aside tags for tribes if bison hunt resumes
A bill in the Montana Legislature would set aside up to 16 bison hunting licenses a year for Montana Indian tribes.
Tribal members must use "traditional" methods of hunting, the bill says, but those methods are not defined other than a stipulation that the methods can include horses.
Bison "must be harvested by tribal members in accordance with the traditional ceremonies of each tribe," says Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Sen. Frank Smith, D-Poplar.
State agencies also would have the authority to write bison hunting rules, Smith's bill says.
The hunting tags would be distributed free to the tribes on the seven reservations in Montana, plus the Little Shell Band of Chippewa, which has no reservation.
For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
January 21, 2005
By LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Sitting Council Members express Concerns about election prior to Certification Vote
Several Council Members expressed concerns prior to the Certification of the 2004 Council Elections. Some of the questions brought forward are alleged violation of the Tribal Laws by the action of the Election Committee by placing a constitutional Amendment upon the ballot without authorization of a majority of the Council or a majority of the Enrolled Tribal members in accordance with our Tribal Constitution (Article IV, Section 1 and Article VI, Section 1). Other concerns are questions about the Late Absentee Ballots, and their inability to be returned in time to be counted, Nepotism charges, candidate for Office of Tribal President transporting unsecured Election Ballots. Copies of two of these council member statements are located on the Election 2004 Petition Page.For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
January 20, 2005
By LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Little Shell Tribal Warriors to be honored in Iraq
A flag of the United States that flew over the United States Capitol through the Office of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado will be traveling this week to fly over Iraq. The US Flag flew over the United States Capitol building April 29, 2004 in honor of Little Shell Tribal Warriors. The Flag was loaned to Major (Dr.) Dave Hnida, Medical Officer in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, to fly over Iraq to honor the Warriors of the Little Shell Tribe past, present, and future for their bravery, honor, and spirit in War on Terror.
For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
January 15, 2005
With Hopes of great things to come to the United States in the next 4 years, we here at the Littleshelltribe.com website send our heart felt congradulations and blessings to United States President George W. Bush on his 2nd Inaguration. LittleShellTribe.com Congradulates President George W. Bush on his Inaguration Day
January 15, 2005
by JIM DULLENTY Lewistown area ranch is home to an ancient buffalo jump
News-Argus Staff Writer
Anne and Dave Leininger look over artifacts discovered at a buffalo jump on their ranch west of Lewistown. The artifacts are displayed in a museum in the basement of their house. They hope the museum and jump will become part of packaged tours of sites in the Lewistown area. Dave Leininger was digging a ditch with a pull-type ditcher for a water tank drain line on his ranch 10 miles west of Lewistown when he saw what he thought were “sticks” coming up from the ground.
His sons, who were helping with the ditch project, asked him to stop, exclaiming “there’s bones everywhere!”
He said he went home that night knowing he had discovered an ancient Native American buffalo jump. He soon learned the Indians killed the buffalo there, prepared the meat and robes and packed it up and went home.
For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
January 9, 2005
Local Native American and game warden save injured golden eagle
by ANNETTE HAYDEN
News-Argus Staff Writer
Game Warden Bob Barber and Lewistown’s Ron La Fountain tracked the downed eagle for about a mile before Barber backed it into some brush and then, within seconds, netted and gathered the raptor to his chest. Once in Barber’s arms the eagle rested like a pet during the hike back to the vehicles. “What a way to start the New Year, this is so awesome,” said Ron La Fountain, as he held the golden eagle he and Game Warden Bob Barber rescued on Monday.
La Fountain, a Metis and owner of Music Is in Lewistown, first spotted the downed eagle near the Charlie Russell Choo-Chew Station on Hanover Road Saturday evening. “It was such a beautiful day I had taken a couple of friends for a drive,” he said. “Rhonda and Mattea Thomas and I saw the bird standing by the side of the road, so I slowed down to do some calls at him and see if he would say hello. Usually they just look at you and fly off, but he turned and hopped away. That was when I first thought he must be hurt.”
La Fountain went back Sunday and found the eagle was still there. He was near the home of Bud and Rosemary Barta so he stopped and asked them to report the eagle to Fish Wildlife and Parks, but the office is closed on Sunday. “I didn’t want to upset the bird, so I stayed away from it, but on our way back home I checked again and he was still there.”
For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
January 7, 2005
By SONJA LEE Great Falls Tribune Staff Writer : 'Landless Indians' elect new council members; potluck planned
Members of the Little Shell Tribe have elected new council members, who will be sworn in next weekend.
Chairman John Sinclair of Havre retained his position, defeating challenger Councilman Robert Van Gunten.
James Parker Shield of Great Falls will be the new first vice chair, based on the results of the early-December election, said Darrel Koke, outgoing first vice chair for the tribe. Shield defeated Darryl Olson.
Councilman Edward Lavenger of Havre was unopposed for second vice chair, she said.
Jessie Fuzesy of Havre defeated incumbent Caroline Fleury for secretary/treasurer, and Alvina Allen of Harlem and incumbent Kenneth Erickson of Havre both were elected to council seats.
Three council seats were open, Koke said. Fleury of Great Falls agreed to fill the third council position.
The council met Saturday and approved the results, Koke said.
Balloting took place in several cities, including Great Falls, Havre and Billings. Absentee ballots from across the state and Washington also were tallied. Koke said official vote tallies will be available Saturday.
A potluck is planned for noon Saturday at the tribal office in the Westgate Mall, 1807 3rd St. N.W. The swearing-in will follow, and the public is welcome to attend, Koke said. For more information, call the tribal office at 452-2829.
Known as Montana's "landless Indians" because their tribe lacks a reservation homeland, the Little Shell won recognition from the state in the 1990s. The tribe won preliminary federal recognition in May 2000. About 4,000 people are enrolled in the tribe.
In 2001 and 2002, the Little Shell were embroiled in an election controversy that led to a carefully supervised new election in 2003.
January 7, 2005
By Webmaster of LittleShellTribe.com: Little Shell Tribal Council have Called Special Council meeting for Saturday, Jan8, 2004
Council Member Robert Van Gunten has called to let Tribal Members know that a special session of the Full Little Shell Tribal Council has been called to review the Election Results and decide whether or not to Certify the Election held December 11, 2004 or to Call for a new Election. Mr. Van Gunten informs us that the meeting will be held at the main office in Great Falls and the Decision of the Council should be known by 1pm Mountain time.
No word on whether or not Tribal Member concerns as noted in the Tribal Member Citizen Petition will be addressed at that time or at a later date.
Developing....
January 4, 2005
By Webmaster of LittleShellTribe.com Website: Little Shell Tribal Members begin Petition Drive to convene Panel of Elders to Investigate and rule upon 2004 Election Infedilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LITTLE SHELL TRIBAL MEMBERS BEGIN CITIZEN PETITION DRIVE TO INVESTIGATE TRIBAL ELECTION INFEDILITIES
________________________________________________________________________
Members of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana have begun a Petition drive to convene a Panel of Elders to sit as a Tribal Court to Investigate and Rule upon alleged infidelities that occurred in the latest Tribal Council Election. A Treaty Tribe organized under a Federal Statute and recognized by the State of Montana, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana is currently petitioning the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian affairs, and the US Congress for Federal Recognition. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians currently has approximately 4000 enrolled tribal members who reside mostly in Montana but are living all over the United States and other foreign countries. The following are some of the issues the Tribal Citizens are requesting:
• Violations of Tribal Constitution by the Election Board in allowing an ineligible candidate to run for and sit upon the council.
• Failing to use the Tribal Rolls to Notify and Register Eligible Tribal members of the Election. The Election Board instead relied on “Word of Mouth” and an obscure Internet message board to notify members.
• Changes to the election rules and regulations by the Election Board after the start of the election without notification to the tribal members in accordance with Tribal Constitution, US Constitution, and federal law.
• Violation of equal protection rights of tribal members by inappropriate extension of ballot deadline for only 63 absentee ballots for Spokane Washington area members only.
• Violation of Tribal Nepotism Policy by planning to seat two immediate family members on the Tribal Council.
• Violation of Tribal Constitution, US Constitution, and Federal Law by the Election Board by failing to Notify All Eligible members of the Tribe of the Election and Failing to Register Eligible Tribal Members in accordance with Federal Law and BIA Guidelines.
• Civil Rights Violations by the Election Board Chairman and the Webmaster of the Official Tribal Council Website against a Candidate for Office by making written threats and alleged blackmail if that member protested the actions of the Election Board and the election.
• Calls for an invalidation of the 2004 Election and a New Election are called if it is found that the Election Board violated the Tribal Constitution, US Constitution, and Federal Law in conducting the Election.
• Calls for the Panel to sit as a tribal court to try and convict the members found to violate the Civil and Constitutional Rights of Tribal Members during the course of the election.
• To investigate and rule on any violations of the Tribal Constitution, US Constitution, and Federal Law found during the course of the Investigation by the Panel of Elders.
For Full List of complaints and a copy of the Petition along with supporting documentation and evidence, go to http://election2004.littleshelltribe.com
Contact:
Bob Rudeseal
Webmaster unofficial tribal member website
Email:Webmaster@LittleShellTribe.com
Tel: 303-756-4497
Web: http://www.LittleShellTribe.com
December 28, 2004
By JODI RAVE of the Missoulian: Little Shell Flag to fly on grounds of Montana State Capitol
HELENA - Marking an unprecedented invitation, Native peoples arrived with their nation's flags and brought the songs that go with them.
Soon, the flags representing Montana's eight tribal nations will fly next to the United States and Montana flags on the grounds of the state Capitol. As memory goes, it will be the first time in the state's 115-year history.
"It's a good day for Native Americans in Montana," said Tuffy Helgeson of the Fort Belknap Reservation.
As part of Monday's gubernatorial inauguration ceremonies, representatives from the Blackfeet, Chippewa Cree, Crow, Assiniboine, Sioux, Gros Ventre, Little Shell, Northern Cheyenne, Salish and Kootenai brought their flags to the Capitol.
They will likely be raised, and rotated on a weekly basis.
For many of the state's indigenous people, the invitation to fly their flags and to join Gov. Brian Schweitzer in inaugural festivities marked a significant day in state and tribal government relations.
For the Full Story, go to the News Page.
December 18, 2004
By the LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Little Shell Election Committee Investigates Disenfranchisement Claims and Election Contest
The Chairman of the Little Shell Tribe Election Committee of 2004 has investigated, just before Christmas, 41 Claims of Disenfranchisement, his report will be posted to this website in the coming days. But basically the report shows that some Enrolled members were disenfranchised but no action will be taken by the Election Committee for any recommendation or relief to the Tribal Members. The Election Committee considers all claims of Disenfranchisement to be closed.
Also, just before Christmas, Darryl Olsen, Candidate for the position of 2nd Vice President, had filed a complaint with the Election Committee claiming fraud, disenfranchisement of tribal members, and a badly handled election. He requested relief in the form of either a revote or a complete new election. His complaint was denied by the Election Committee with no further action to be taken. His complaint along with the report from the Chairman of the Election Committee will also be posted in it's entirety here on this website in the coming days.
More Details to come...
December 17, 2004
By the Little Shell Tribe Election Committee: Little Shell Election Committee announces winners of 2004 election
Posted Saturday, December 18, 2004 @ 02:48 PM
*PRESIDENT:
John Sinclair
*VICE PRESIDENT:
James Parker Shield
*2nd VICE PRESIDENT:
Ed Lavenger
*Secretary/Treasure:
Jessie Fuzesy
*COUNCILPERSON:
Alvina Allen
Kenneth Erickson
(vaccant) Rule 10 of the election rules will apply here to fill this seat.
*Ballot Measure Number #1
PASSED
Secretary and Treasure will be two positions
December 16, 2004
By the LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Little Shell Tribal Members upset by Election irregularities, Several Members request intervention by US Federal Goverment Agencies to ensure fair and accurate results.
No election is perfect, but the 2004 Elections for the Little Shell Tribal Council has pushed the limits of credibility. With Election Rules being changed without notice to all the members, to Polling Places not opening disenfranchising members, and Absentee Ballots being withheld by the Election committee for no apparent reason, Tribal members are understandably upset. Some have sent letters to the United States Civil Rights Commission to investigate and other letters are being drafted to be sent to the Department of the Interior, the Federal Election Commission, and to the United States Department of Justice. These letters are asking for an intervention and investigation to see if Tribal Members Constitutional rights and Civil rights have been violated and to insure the Election has been conducted in accordance with the Tribal Constitution and the the Laws of the United States.
Dec 4, 2004
By the LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Toni Jo Atchison, Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Specialist Announces Tribal Newsletter is FREE to Tribal Members
Toni Jo Atchison, Little Shell Tribal Tobacco Abuse Prevention Specialist has announced that the Tribal newsletter is FREE to all Enrolled Tribal Members. Previously, a subscription of $10 was required for the newsletter and was published quartely. The subscription cost covered monies that funded the creation, mailing of the newsletter, along with helping with office expenses. Now, with funding provided in part under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, and the Little Shell Tobacco Abuse Prevention Program, the Newsletter will be published 12 months a year. To place your name on the List for the newsletter (if you do not currently receive it), contact Toni Jo at the main office or write a letter requesting your name to be placed on it. Tribal and Non-Tribal members are still welcome and are encourgaged to send donations to the Office to help with tribal expenses.
Nov 30, 2004
By the LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster: Absentee Ballots Sent out by Election Committee December 2, 2004
The Little Shell 2004 Election Committee has finally sent out the Absentee Ballots. Postmark on the Ballot indicate that the Election Committee Delayed until December 2, 2004 before sending out the ballots. Although the Rules posted publically by the Election Committee specifically note that the ballots are to be sent no later then November 20, 2004. the Election Committee decided to delay based on 2 reasons, the 1st being that a member of the Election Committe was sick, the 2nd being that there was a "Delay" in sending out a newsletter, the election committee decided to extend the request for Absentee ballots from September 4, 2004 to November 30, 2004, the Election Committee decided for unknown and unexplained reasons to NOT send out Ballots requested earlier (that were requested within the Original Posted Deadlines) till December 2, 2004. The Election Committee has said that they have extended the receipt of the completed ballots from December 4, 2004 to December 8, 2004. Since the US Postal Service has a minimum of 5 days to deliver mail, the Election Committee have, by delaying the mailing of the Ballots, effectivly disenfranchised ALL Little Shell Tribal Members who have requested an Absentee ballot as none can be returned by the December 8, 2004 deadline.
The Election Committee needs to explain it's actions publically to all members of the Tribe and they need to explain why they have Disenfranchised Members who requested Absentee Ballots.
The Election Committee needs to also COUNT ALL Absentee Ballots, even if received AFTER their December 8, 2004 deadline but POSTMARKED before the December 11th Election.
Our Little Shell Tribal Constitution
To find more information and/or Register a Complaint, Contact the following:
You can contact the Election Committee at:
Elections Committee Members:
Mark A. Landrie
Chairman (Billings, MT)Carol (Suzi) Hofeldt
Secretary (Chinook, MT)Pearl Chilton
Member (Chinook, MT)Jose Landrie
Member (Tacoma, WA)Moon Charette
Member (Billings, MT)Melvin Swan
Member (Butte, MT)Donovan J. Emerson
Member (Kalispell, MT)Elections Committee
PO Box 849,
CHINOOK, MT 59523
Little Shell Main Office:
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana
Box 1384
1807 3rd St NW
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 452-2892
Fax: (406) 452-2982
E-Mail: lstgtfalls@bresnan.net
DOI Mailing Address:
Department of the Interior
ATTN:Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20240
Phone: 202-208-3100
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- By the LittleShellTribe.com Webmaster:
Absentee Ballots may not be sent out in time to be counted in Little Shell Elections:
Members Fear DisenfranchismentSeveral inquiries have been made to the Little Shell Election Committee Chairman requesting Information on whether or not the Requested Absentee Ballots for the Little Shell Tribal Elections have been sent out. According to the Rules set by the Election Committee, Absentee Ballots were to be sent out no later then 20 November 2004. An e-mail sent to Election Committee Chairman Mark Landrie on November 23, 2004 received this Reply: "They are being sent tomorrow. Carol got sick and did not get a chance to send them out. MARK". After no receipt of the Absentee Ballot by this member, a 2nd e-mail was sent on November 29, 2004 that again requested a time on when the Absentee Ballots will be sent out. This is the reply received: "ALL, Absentee ballots will be sent out this week. Since we extended the availability to request an absentee ballot until tomorrow it only made sense to wait and send all of the ballots out at the same time. ELECTIONS COMMITTEE"
It currently takes an average of 5 days for the United States Postal Service to deliver an envelope. If the Absentee Ballots were sent out today (Nov 30) it would not arrive till December 5 2004 (one day after the postmark deadline) and if you return it the next day (December 6th) it will arrive at the Election Committee mailbox on December 11th, 2004. According to the Deadline posted in the Election Rules by the Ele
