News Summary
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin have reintroduced legislation to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. The Grand River Bands Restoration Act aims to secure sovereign status for the tribe, allowing its members access to critical federal benefits such as healthcare and education. The tribe, which has sought recognition since 1994, is currently the last treaty tribe east of the Mississippi River without federal acknowledgment. Bipartisan support from U.S. Representatives reinforces this initiative, emphasizing the importance of rightful recognition for the tribe.
Grand Rapids, Michigan — U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin have reintroduced legislation aiming for federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB), a significant step towards securing rights and benefits for the tribe. The legislation, known as the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, if passed, would grant the GRB status as a sovereign nation, enabling its nearly 500 members to access essential federal benefits, including tuition assistance, health care, and housing support.
The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, which has been seeking federal recognition since 1994, faces numerous challenges in this long-standing effort. The tribe is primarily located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with its members mostly hailing from Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. Chairman Ron Yob leads the tribe, which historically occupied land spanning the Grand River and extending into southwest Michigan.
In an additional effort to support the GRB’s recognition, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, reinforcing the initiative’s bipartisan support. Previous attempts for recognition have faltered due to insufficient backing within Congress, which elevated the urgency for current legislative efforts.
Federal recognition is vital for the Grand River Bands, as it would provide access to essential services and empower the tribe to safeguard its land for future generations. Senator Peters has noted that the bill is crucial for supplying the tribe with critical resources. Senator Slotkin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the GRB’s historical ties to Michigan and the unmet federal commitments that have persisted over the years.
Although the state of Michigan recognizes the Grand River Bands, the federal government has yet to extend the same acknowledgment. Notably, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians are the last treaty tribe east of the Mississippi River still lacking federal recognition. Their lineage is linked to treaties dating back to 1795, underscoring their longstanding relationship with the land and its governance.
Efforts for federal recognition have previously received favorable opinions from Michigan’s Governor, especially regarding the implications of casino operations by neighboring tribes, further highlighting the need for fair and just recognition of the Grand River Bands’ rights. To date, the legislation supported by Senators Peters and Slotkin is poised to address these enduring issues, providing a path forward for the Grand River Bands to secure their rightful place within the legal framework of sovereign nations in the U.S.
As the reintroduced legislation makes its way through Congress, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians and their supporters remain hopeful for a positive outcome that would finally grant them the recognition they have diligently sought for decades.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13
- MLive
- Grand Haven Tribune
- Fox 17 Online
- Michigan Advance
- Wikipedia: Federal recognition in the United States
- Google Search: Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American tribe
