The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have sought federal recognition for three decades. Acknowledgement would provide tribal members access to resources like health care, housing and tuition assistance.
In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Interior determined the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians failed to provide adequate evidence it was deserving of federal recognition.
The GRB disputed the conclusion with a 148-page document citing multiple treaties between the federal government and tribe dating back to the 1795 Treaty of Greenville acknowledging the GRB a native sovereign nation.
This is Ronald Yob, chairman of the GRB in 2024.
“When they took the land, we were recognized. When they came and got our children to go to the boarding school, they were recognized. When they had land settlements, we were recognized.”
Michigan Democrats U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, reintroduced legislation granting federal recognition. U.S. House Representative Hillary Scholten, a Grand Rapids Democrat, and John James, a Republican serving Michigan’s 10th Congressional district have introduced companion legislation.
The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians call Kent, Muskegon and Oceana Counties home.