Tribe Seeks Area Members For Vote

Representatives of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians are urging Spokane-area members to vote in tribal council elections that will help shape the unofficial tribe as it seeks federal recognition.

Tribal leaders aren’t sure how many enrolled members have moved to the Spokane area from their native Montana, but believe there may be several hundred.

Councilman James Parker Shield said the tribe has about 4,000 enrolled members, but lacks money to keep track of them.

He said the tribe has a good chance of gaining federal recognition in about a year. The tribe has no reservation, but maintains an office in Great Falls, Mont.

Ballots must be postmarked by Saturday. For more information or to obtain a ballot, call Mary Jane Miller at 536-1940 or Patti Piapot at the American Indian Community Center, 535-0886.

, DataTimes