Becoming Little Shell

A Landless Indian’s Journey Home

De: Chris La Tray

Narrado por: Chris La Tray

Growing up in Montana, Chris La Tray always identified as Indian. Despite the fact that his father fiercely denied any connection, he found Indigenous people alluring, often recalling his grandmother's consistent mention of their Chippewa heritage.

When La Tray attended his grandfather's funeral as a young man, he finally found himself surrounded by relatives who obviously were Indigenous. "Who were they?" he wondered, and "Why was I never allowed to know them?" Combining diligent research and compelling conversations with authors, activists, elders, and historians, La Tray embarks on a journey into his family's past, discovering along the way a larger story of the complicated history of Indigenous communities—as well as the devastating effects of colonialism that continue to ripple through surviving generations. And as he comes to embrace his full identity, he eventually seeks enrollment with the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, joining their 158-year-long struggle for federal recognition.

Both personal and historical, Becoming Little Shell is a testament to the power of storytelling, to family and legacy, and to finding home. Infused with candor, heart, wisdom, and an abiding love for a place and a people, Chris La Tray's remarkable journey is both revelatory and redemptive.

©2024 Chris La Tray (P)2025 Tantor Media

Beautiful story about self discovery and familial history

The thing I love most about this is that you don’t have to be Little Shell for this story to resonate. The process of self-discovery through family research is one we can all relate to. This is a beautiful and powerful story of finding your place in the world. I think Chris for his vulnerability, and for sharing the fruits of his labor with the world so we may get to know the Little Shell and Métis people.