The Little Shell Tribe of the Chippewa Indians of Montana is celebrating a significant milestone: the fifth anniversary of the Little Shell Restoration Act.

This law, signed in 2019, restored federal recognition to the Tribe.

As part of this commemoration, the Tribal Council has unveiled a massive investment into the Great Falls Community.

They submitted an application to the U.S. Department of the Interior for approval to build the Little Shell Event Center & Resort on Mount Royal, overlooking Hill 57.

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Five Years of Transformation

Healthcare: The Tribe established a health clinic to serve its citizens.
Food Sovereignty: A program was launched to ensure access to nutritious food.
Pandemic Response: COVID-19 relief initiatives provided essential support during challenging times.
Housing: New services have been introduced to address housing needs.
Cultural Programming: Efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage have flourished, including creating powwow grounds.
Governance: A governmental structure was developed to meet the needs of nearly 7,000 citizens.

Little Shell Resort

The Little Shell Resort is designed to serve the Tribe and the broader Great Falls community.

The goal is to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Features of the Resort

A 200-room hotel.
A 30,000-square-foot indoor waterpark.
A 10,000-square-foot multipurpose event space—one of the first in Montana.
An 8-lane bowling alley and arcade.
A 500-machine gaming facility.
A 9,700-person capacity arena for entertainment and sports.
Multiple dining options with scenic views.

This destination is projected to attract over 275,000 visitors annually.

Economic Impact

Construction: Over 500 jobs will be created during the building phase.
Operations: Once open, the resort will support 430 full-time positions.
Local Economy: An estimated $65 million in annual sales of goods and services in Cascade County.
Wages: $21.1 million in annual salaries.
Tax Revenue: $7.7 million generated annually.