News Summary
U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James have reintroduced legislation to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, a status sought since 1994. This bipartisan bill aims to provide the tribe with federal benefits like education and healthcare. The proposal comes after a previous effort failed, but new support from Michigan Congress members has emerged. The Grand River Bands, recognized by Michigan since 1996, still await federal acknowledgment to access essential services.
Grand Rapids, MI – U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James have reintroduced legislation aimed at granting federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, a status the tribe has been seeking since 1994. This bipartisan effort brought forth by Scholten, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, and James, a Republican from Shelby Township, aims to provide the Grand River Bands access to vital federal benefits such as social services, education, housing, and elder care.
The legislation comes after a similar bill failed to gain traction last year in the House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. At that time, the subcommittee’s chairwoman, Harriet Hageman, a Republican from Wyoming, cited complexities, including internal tribal conflicts, as reasons for not advancing the legislation. Scholten has expressed hope that under the new leadership of Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Republican from Colorado, the reintroduced bill will receive fair consideration.
If successful, the proposed legislation would not only recognize the tribe federally but also direct the U.S. Interior Secretary to acquire trust title to land in Newaygo, Oceana, and Muskegon counties for the tribe. Additionally, areas in Kent and Ottawa counties owned by the Grand River Bands may also be taken into trust as part of the legislation.
Current Status and Future Prospects
The Grand River Bands comprises nearly 500 members, primarily residing in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties, with the tribe’s office located on Front Avenue in Grand Rapids. Despite being recognized by the state of Michigan in 1996, this recognition does not equate to the federal benefits accessible to other Michigan tribes such as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, which received federal recognition in 1994.
The process for federal recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has faced significant hurdles, including a proposed finding against the tribe’s status earlier in 2023. The BIA’s denial was based on claims that the Grand River Bands had not demonstrated a distinct community that has historically existed to the present day. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges that tribes face as they seek federal acknowledgment and the associated benefits.
Commitment to Recognition
Ron Yob, the chairman of the Grand River Bands, has voiced a longstanding commitment to achieving federal recognition, emphasizing its importance for the future generations of the tribe. Yob, who is 75 years old, regards the recognition process as a crucial step for enabling the tribe to access essential services such as health care and education, which they currently lack due to their unrecognized status.
Scholten and James are actively working to secure a hearing for the bill as they aim to advance it to a vote. Support for the proposed legislation has expanded beyond the co-sponsors, attracting backing from a broader group of Michigan Congress members, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Haley Stevens. The bill has now been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee for further review and discussion.
Historical Context
The Grand River Bands have deep historical ties, being linked to 19 bands of Ottawa people who settled along southwest Michigan’s Grand River. The community ties and heritage of the Grand River Bands reflect a significant aspect of the region’s history. Despite being recognized at the state level for over two decades, the quest for federal recognition remains crucial for securing the full range of benefits available to other federally recognized tribes.
As Representatives Scholten and James continue their advocacy efforts, the Grand River Bands’ pursuit of federal recognition serves as a vital symbol of their identity and a necessary step toward addressing historical injustices faced by their community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17 News
- Wikipedia: Federal Recognition of Indian Tribes
- MLive
- Google Search: Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
- Michigan Advance
- Google Scholar: Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American
- Wood TV
- Google News: Michigan tribe federal recognition
