Molly Wendland

Following Gov. Greg Gianforte’s announcement that all Montanans will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines on Apr. 1, YPR News’ Kaitlyn Nicholas looked into how vaccine rollout is going in tribal nations across Montana, where the vaccine is already available to everyone.

As the newest federally recognized tribe, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana is starting from scratch to deliver health care to members. While COVID-19 has been devastating, it has sped up the tribe's ability to build a clinic. Yet, lacking a reservation, the tribe faces challenges reaching its scattered members.

The United States recognized the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians as a sovereign nation just one year ago this week. Next year, the tribe will work with the federal Indian Health Service to open its own tribal health clinic.