New Rules Could Bring Formal Recognition for Montana Tribe

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The leader of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians says new rules for the recognition of Native American groups could ease the way for the landless Montana tribe to be formally acknowledged by the U.S. government.

The Interior Department rules aim to reform a process widely-considered broken after recognition petitions from the Little Shell and other tribes languished for decades.

Tribal Chairman Gerald Gray said the changes finalized this week show a better understanding among officials that many tribes dispersed after European settlement instead of signing treaties and moving to reservations.

Montana officials recognized the tribe in 2000. Gray says it now has more than 6,000 enrolled members.

Formal recognition by the U.S. would make the Little Shell eligible for education, health care, housing grants and other benefits.