The U.S. House passed the National Defense Authorization Act today. That means the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Montana is halfway to federal recognition. But will the tribe’s land base include Hill 57?
Montana Republican Greg Gianforte voted yea on the defense bill, passing a version of Little Shell recognition bill he’s introduced in the U.S. House twice.
Assuming the bill passes the Senate, which is expected to vote early next week, the Little Shell will be recognized after generations of struggle. But it could take years to figure out the details.