The Little Shell Tribe of Montana is seeking support for its federal recognition bid.

The tribe was given a favorable preliminary determination in May 2000 and is waiting on a final answer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. February 2007 is the target date.

But in hopes of obtaining justice sooner, the tribe is seeking recognition through an act of Congress. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Montana) is expected to introduce a bill later this year, The Havre Daily News reported.

The tribe, whose members descend from Chippewa Chief Little Shell, is supported by other tribes in Montana and the state government. The Montana Supreme Court also said the tribe has sovereign status.

Get the Story:
Little Shell seek county support for a reservation (The Havre Daily News 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Little Shell Tribe - http://www.littleshelltribe.com

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Little Shell Tribe seeks federal recognition through bill (07/04)
Little Shell Tribe seeks support for recognition bid (07/07)
Little Shell Tribe sees delay in recognition (05/27)
Mont. court recognizes tribe through common law (05/01)
Little Shell case could help federal recognition (05/01)
Little Shell finding a departure (08/16)
Decisions put Gover in the middle (08/16)