GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — One year ago, Little Shell tribal members rejoiced when the "day that never comes" finally arrived.

The tribe had been without a recognized homeland since the late 1800s, when Chief Little Shell and his followers broke off treaty negotiations with the U.S. government.

But a generations-long fight to secure the elusive ended on Dec. 20, 2019.

The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana gained federal recognition status when President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which contained an amendment pertaining to the tribe.

"It was so ov...