- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana officially broke ground today on its long-anticipated Ceremonial Center, marking a significant milestone in the Tribe’s ongoing journey of resilience, cultural renewal, and self-determination.
Elders, tribal leaders, community members, and local and state dignitaries gathered to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the future of this vital space. Once completed, the Little Shell Ceremonial Center will become a cornerstone for cultural gatherings, traditional practices, language preservation, and community events. It will also serve as the centerpiece of the Tribe’s future 18-acre housing development, which will rise on the land surrounding the Center.
“This ground we stand on carries the stories of our ancestors,” said Chairman Gerald Gray. “Today, we create a place on this ground where future generations can continue those stories—with strength, pride, and connection to who we are.”
The new Ceremonial Center will share its location with the Tribe’s Miijim Program (Food Distribution) on Stuckey Road, adding to the growing network of tribal government facilities that provide essential services to Little Shell citizens. Designed to meet the needs of a vibrant and engaged community, the center will include a spacious meeting hall accommodating up to 200 people, outdoor gathering spaces, and a fully equipped kitchen to enhance community luncheon programs.
This project is the result of years of thoughtful planning and stands as a powerful symbol of the Tribe’s resurgence in the wake of its federal recognition in 2019—a historic victory following decades of tireless advocacy.
“This is more than a building,” said Vice Chairman, Clarence Sivertsen. “It’s a home for our spirit and cultural learning. It’s a gift to future generations of Little Shell citizens.”
The Tribe has partnered with Dick Anderson Construction to bring the Ceremonial Center to life. “We’re honored to be selected for this project and look forward to helping realize the Tribe’s vision,” said Josh DeVos, Vice President of Dick Anderson Construction.
Construction is slated for completion in early 2026. Once finished, the Tribe plans to host an inaugural celebration and blessing to mark the official opening of the new center.
More Stories Like This
50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal RelationsMacArthur Foundation Launches Native Self-Determination Program, Pledges Expanded Support
In Runoff Triumph, David Sickey Elected Chairman of Coushatta Tribe
San Carlos Tribe Celebrates Temporary Victory in Federal Court to Save Oak Flat
LAND BACK: 47,097 Acres Returned to Yurok Tribe
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
