In a questionnaire style interview, we asked the chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, Gerald Gray, to share his insights into the tribe's vision, cultural heritage preservation, economic development, community and housing initiatives, education programs, challenges faced, collaborations, as well as health and well-being initiatives. We asked Chairman Gray about his vision for the tribe, how the council is working to preserve and promote Little Shell culture and heritage. He was also asked about how the council is planning for the tribe economic development as well as plans to address tribal member’s needs. Any editing done was for minor grammatical and spelling errors only.

Can you share with us your journey to becoming the chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe?

  “My journey started back in the early 2000’s when I moved back to Montana after leaving for work. The tribe was having issues with the administration holding elections which compelled me to become involved. I was first vice chair from 2010-2012 and then chair since.”

How do you envision the future of the tribe, and what are your top priorities to achieve that vision?

“As I have always said, my vision for the tribe is to become self-sufficient where the tribe does not have to rely on government programs to succeed. The quickest way to that would be economic development. Economic development is a top priority along with housing and education for tribal members.”

In what ways is the tribe working to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Little Shell Chippewa?

“The tribe is currently hosting as many cultural teachings as we can. These teachings educate and promote the Chippewa culture for interested members. We are also developing language curriculum that will provide the building blocks that will teach the language.” 

Could you tell us about any cultural programs or initiatives that are particularly close to your heart?

“Language would be close to my heart, as without the language we lose our cultural identity.”

What are the current economic development projects the tribe is undertaking?

“As reported in the tribe’s annual report, we currently have 5 unique business that the tribe owns that will help support tribal programs that federal funds can not.”

How do these projects align with the tribe's values and traditions?

“These businesses align in the sense they will provide much needed income to support the programs where federal funds fall short. These businesses will help the tribe become self-sufficient.”

Can you discuss the tribe's efforts in improving housing conditions and addressing the community's needs?

“The tribe currently doesn’t have housing to improve, however to meet the housing needs of tribal members the tribe has purchased land and is in the process of having a master plan completed which will guide the tribe in its first housing community, where we will have multi-family homes, single family homes and elder homes.”

Is there a need to build new housing or rehabilitate existing housing to better address the cultural traditions of the tribe?

“There’s a huge need to build new homes, as with many communities across Montana, affordable housing is much needed. Through the tribe’s housing program there will be programs to rehabilitate current tribal members houses.” 

What educational programs does the tribe offer to its youth, and how do they incorporate tribal traditions?

“The tribe participates in the Standing Buffalo Strong program for youth,  offers the Soup and Story for youth and the tobacco prevention program.” 

How is the tribe investing in the next generation of leaders?

“The tribe offers programs that educate our youth in prevention, culture, and in the near future will offer education programs through a satellite campus through Turtle Mtn Community College.” 

What are some of the significant challenges the tribe has faced, and how have you overcome them?

“The most significant challenge at this time is meeting the expectations of tribal members in being able to deploy services as fast as we can.”

Can you share a story of resilience that exemplifies the spirit of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe?

“The most sufficient story of Little Shell resilience would be that of Federal recognition, the Tribe persevered for generations in its’ fight for recognition. The membership never gave up and continued the fight until the day finally came.”

How does the tribe collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies?

“The tribe collaborates with mostly state and federal agencies through services in which the tribe is able to provide members. Such services are tobacco prevention, IHS, IWCA, HUD, state tourism, and etc.”

What initiatives has the tribe taken to improve the health and well-being of its members?

“The tribe provides services and programs such as the mobile medical clinic, harm reduction program, special diabetes program, chronic disease prevention, Opioid prevention program and domestic violence assistance program to name a few.” 

As we conclude, what message would you like to share with the members of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe and the wider community?

“I would like the members to know that the tribe is working very hard to develop and deploy programs as fast as possible and to please be patient as these get rolled out to as many members as allowable. Also, if members or the wider community have any questions about programs or anything else to please reach out to any council member for the answer.”