Reps. Scholten, Moolenaar Introduce Bill to Grant Federal Recognition to Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
Grand River Bands have fought for federal Tribe recognition for nearly 30 years
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-02) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, to grant Congressional federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB).
The GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB’s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties.
The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have advocated for federal Tribe recognition for nearly 30 years.
The bipartisan Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would grant Congressional federal recognition to the Grand River Bands, which will allow tribal members to access critical resources – including tuition, health care, and housing assistance.
“The Grand River Bands are an essential part of our state’s history, culture, and community, and their federal Tribe recognition is long overdue,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “I look forward to ensuring that the GRB gets the recognition, resources, and investments they deserve.”
“The Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians has made Michigan a better place and is worthy of full recognition from the federal government. This legislation will cut through the red tape the tribe has experienced in dealing with the Department of Interior for 23 years. It is long overdue, and I am proud to join the tribe in supporting its efforts for federal recognition,” said Congressman Moolenaar.
“The Grand River Bands applauds Michigan lawmakers for introducing this critical legislation, which will give our tribe access to critical resources — such as health care, housing and education. We are hopeful Congress will pass this critical legislation to ensure that the Grand River Bands will continue to be an important part of the history of West Michigan for generations to come,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands.
Bill text can be found here.