GREAT FALLS —Since being federally recognized in December 2019, the Little Shell Tribe, which has enrolled members in Cascade, Glacier, Blaine, and Hill counties, has made it a point of emphasis to develop and construct housing for its members.
That ball was set in motion with the announcement in mid-2024 of the first planned Native community in Great Falls.
The 18-acre plot of land, nestled just south of Hill 57 and west of the Valley View subdivision, will prioritize single family units, duplexes, and ADA-accessible housing for enrolled members of the Little Shell tribe.
Some of the units will be low-income accessible, and others will be prioritized for senior citizens and veterans.
The project, known as the Good Medicine Housing Complex, would sit on land currently in Cascade County, but tribal leaders and developers are seeking annexation into the City of Great Falls to connect to utilities and public infrastructure.
This week, the Little Shell Tribe issued the following statement regarding the Great Falls Planning Commission & Zoning Board’s decision to postpone a recommendation on the Good Medicine Community project:
The Tribe appreciates the time and consideration the Great Falls Planning Commission has given to the Good Medicine Community project. While the Tribe is disappointed in the decision to postpone a vote, it respects the Commission’s responsibility to carefully review complex issues and ensure that its recommendation is wellinformed. The Tribe also recognizes the hard work and professionalism of the City of Great Falls Planning and Community Development staff, who have dedicated significant time and expertise to evaluating this project.
The Tribe stands ready to provide any reasonably pertinent information requested by the Commission within its role as an advisory body to the City Commission. The Tribe remains confident that further clarification will reinforce what has been clear from the outset: the Good Medicine project is structured to operate under City jurisdiction, comply with all applicable laws, and provide long-term benefit to the Great Falls community.
The proposed annexation is a deliberate step to ensure we are working with our neighbors and the City so that this important development is seamlessly integrated into the City. The Tribe has been transparent throughout this process, and the agreements in place are designed to protect both the City, its residents, and the Tribe. The agreements clearly establish responsibilities of all parties. These types of agreements are standard for any developer regardless of whether the developer is Tribal or non-Tribal.
The project is being developed under federal law through programs specifically intended to address critical housing needs in Tribal communities. These programs are fully authorized and consistent with fair housing laws.
At the same time, the Tribe believes it is important to address some of the disappointing comments made during the public hearing that reflect outdated and harmful stereotypes. One statement characterized the project as bringing “blight” into the community. That claim does not reflect the Tribe’s work or its record.
Since the Tribe’s federal recognition was restored in 2019, the Little Shell Tribe has made meaningful investments in housing, healthcare, and community facilities across Great Falls. The Tribe has consistently improved underutilized properties, creating safe, well-maintained, and productive spaces that contribute positively to neighborhoods and the local economy. The Tribe’s track record is on full display across our many facilities within the City of Great Falls and Cascade County.
The Good Medicine Community will continue that track record. It is a carefully planned, professionally managed development that will provide high-quality housing, be built to City standards, and maintained with long-term accountability.
“We understand that people have questions about change, and we take those questions seriously,” said Chairman Gerald Gray. “But our work in Great Falls speaks for itself. We have invested in this community, improved properties, and created opportunities. This Project is part of that same commitment—to build something that strengthens the community, not harms it. We believe decisions like this should be based on facts and experience, not outdated assumptions.”
The Tribe remains committed to open dialogue and looks forward to continuing its work with the Planning Commission, City staff, and the broader community to move this important project forward.
