Little Shell Tribe Announces Event Center & Resort

GREAT FALLS, MT – The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana marks the 5th anniversary of the enactment of the Little Shell Restoration Act this week, which restored the Tribe's federal recognition. Coinciding with this milestone, the Tribal Council announced that it plans to submit an application to the U.S. Department of the Interior requesting approval to construct the Little Shell Event Center & Resort ("Little Shell Resort") on Mount Royal, overlooking Hill 57.

Over the last five years, the Tribe has established a tribal health clinic, implemented a food sovereignty program, deployed COVID-19 relief initiatives, created housing services, increased cultural programming, established powwow grounds, and developed a robust governmental structure to meet the needs of Little Shell tribal citizens.

The Little Shell Resort embodies the Tribe's dedication to self-sufficiency, hard work, and community empowerment, by creating economic development so that the Tribe can generate the revenue to ensure Little Shell tribal citizens have access to essential services while cultivating a vibrant and thriving community for future generations.

Since regaining federal recognition in 2019, the Tribe has grown to nearly 7,000 citizens and has made significant strides in establishing essential services. However, with only $480,000 in annual federal funding - equating to just $68 in available governmental spending per tribal citizen - the Tribe faces substantial challenges in meeting the needs of its community.

The proposed Little Shell Event Center & Resort aims to address these challenges by creating a strong, stable economic foundation for the Tribe.

The resort will feature:

- 200-room hotel;

- 30,000-square-foot indoor waterpark;

- 10,000-square-foot multipurpose event space (one of the first in Montana);

- 8-lane bowling alley and arcade;

- 500-machine gaming facility;

- 9,700-person capacity arena for entertainment and sports; and

- Multiple food and beverage venues, including scenic dining.

The Little Shell Resort will be an economic catalyst for not just the Little Shell Tribe but also the greater Great Falls community. The venture will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and foster community engagement through various entertainment options.

The Little Shell Resort will not only cater to the evolving needs of visitors, but also enrich the quality of life for local residents, creating a vibrant, year-round community that can attract and retain both tourists and talent. Through this project, Great Falls is positioned to become a more competitive and dynamic destination in the region, driving economic growth and community development for years to come.

This ambitious project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including:

- Over 500 jobs during construction

- 430 permanent full-time equivalent positions once operational

- $65 million in annual sale of goods and services in Cascade County

- $21.1 million in annual wages

- $7.7 million in annual tax revenue

The Little Shell Resort is projected to attract more than 275,000 visits annually, substantially boosting tourism in Cascade County, which already contributes $355 million in visitor spending each year.

Most importantly, the Resort's revenue will support the Tribe's mission to provide services that foster development, growth, innovation, and sustainability for the Little Shell Tribe. The revenue generated will help address critically needed services for Little Shell tribal citizens, including health care, housing, government, and other social services.

This proposal marks the first step in a multi-year process, with approval and construction timelines yet to be determined. The Tribe remains committed to fostering development, growth, innovation, and sustainability for its citizens and the larger community.

For more information, please contact [email protected].