Good Medicine Community Closer to Annexation in Great Falls

To say that the history of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana has been a long and complicated one would be an understatement.  Originally part of the Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians, conflicts with the government caused the Little Shell to disperse across several states, including Montana; even to Canada.

The tribe has since been recognized by the state of Montana, and in 2019 with the National Defense Authorization Act being signed, the tribe gained Federal recognition.  Many of those members are part of central Montana and live in the Great Falls area.

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Good Medicine Community Proposed on 18-Acre Plot Outside of Great Falls

A newly proposed housing development to offer homes to tribe members, called the Good Medicine Community is part of the Little Shell's vision for the future.  And just like their past history, the ups and downs have been plenty.

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In April of this year, members were informed that the proposed units had been put on hold by the Great Falls Planning Advisory Board and Zoning Commission.  The 18-acre plot "will include nearly 100 housing units consisting of single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family, along with essential community amenities such as walking paths, parks, and gathering spaces" according to the tribe's website.

Commission Reverses Decision, Giving Unanimous Approval for Little Shell Plans

After another review by the Planning Board and Commission in May, board members voted unanimously to approve and recommended the annexation of the housing development into the city of Great Falls.

The tribe will now need to wait for the Great Falls City Commission to review the recommendations and are hopeful that the commission will also give the final approval for the development.  To learn more about the housing proposal, visit the website here.  To learn more on the history of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe in Great Falls and Montana, visit their website here.