Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2017

Bill 115 s 39, also known as the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation that aims to restore federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 12, 2017, by Senator Jon Tester of Montana.

The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a Native American tribe located in Montana that has been seeking federal recognition for many years. Federal recognition would grant the tribe access to certain benefits and resources, as well as affirm their status as a sovereign nation.

The bill outlines the criteria that the tribe must meet in order to be granted federal recognition, including providing evidence of their historical and cultural ties to the Chippewa Indians. It also establishes a process for the tribe to petition for recognition and for the federal government to review and approve their petition. If the bill is passed, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians would be granted federal recognition and be eligible for the same rights and benefits as other federally recognized tribes. This could include access to federal funding for healthcare, education, and economic development programs. Overall, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2017 is an important piece of legislation that seeks to right a historical wrong and provide much-needed support to a marginalized Native American tribe.