Members of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana met for the first time since resolving a leadership dispute.

The tribe fell into two factions after a disputed election. A panel of judges last month determined that John Gilbert is the rightful leader.

"This is your duly elected council — and we're going to do our best to represent you," Gilbert said at the meeting, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

The tribe was denied federal recognition by the Bureau of Indian Affairs but is appealing. The tribe is also seeking recognition through an act of Congress.

Get the Story:
Little Shell comes together with first meeting of official tribal council (The Great Falls Tribune 1/9)

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