Rehberg Announces Committee Hearing on His Little Shell Recognition Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, convinced the House Committee on Natural Resources to hold a legislative hearing on his efforts to acquire federal recognition for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. Rehberg has introduced legislation to recognize the Tribe in each of the last two Congresses.
“Since April 28, 1978, The Little Shell have wrestled with Washington bureaucrats to get well-deserved federal recognition,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “After more than 31 years, it’s become evident the normal channels aren’t cutting it. Justice delayed is justice denied, and I’m working to find a faster legislative fix. This hearing is great news and is an important step toward recognition.”
The Little Shell Tribe is made up of approximately 4,300 members, mostly in the Great Falls area. In 2000, the same year the tribe was recognized by the state of Montana, the Department of Interior issued a positive finding for the tribe making them eligible for recognition. Since then, little progress has been made due to bureaucratic obstacles. Rehberg’s bill expedites recognition through the legislative process.
“The Tribe appreciates Congressman Rehberg’s support over the years in our efforts to regain federal recognition,” said Little Shell Executive Director Russell Boham. “The State of Montana and Montana’s other tribal nations recognize the Little Shell. It is time that the federal government also extend official recognition. What recognition means for us, in a word, is hope. Hope for the future. Hope that access to federal programs can improve our communities and that self-determination can really mean self-sufficiency for our Little Shell families.”
“I’ll keep doing whatever it takes because it’s well past time to get this done,” said Rehberg. “These Montanans deserve our attention before another generation of the Little Shell Tribe members goes unrecognized.”