East Michigan News

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten introduced the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at granting federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB) in Michigan.

Congressman Moolenaar expressed his support for the tribe, stating, "The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have made Michigan a better place and they are 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. It is long overdue, and I am proud to join the tribe and its supporters across Michigan in advocating for this important effort for federal recognition."

Congresswoman Scholten also emphasized the significance of federal recognition for the GRB, saying, "The Grand River Bands are an essential part of our state's history, culture, and community, and their federal Tribe recognition is long overdue. I look forward to ensuring that the GRB gets the recognition, resources, and investments they deserve."

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have been seeking federal recognition for three decades, facing administrative delays in the broken federal acknowledgment process. The introduction of this legislation marks a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts.

Chairman Ron Yob of the Grand River Bands expressed his gratitude towards the Michigan congressional delegation members who co-sponsored the bill. He stated, "On behalf of the Grand River Bands, I thank the Michigan congressional delegation members who co-sponsored this bill that will help us finally achieve our long-stated goal of federal recognition after three decades of administrative delays by the broken federal acknowledgment process. We will pursue every possible avenue to achieve our recognition and provide long-awaited justice to our members. We are honored that we are joined in this important fight by a bipartisan majority of the Michigan congressional delegation, community organizations, other tribes, and West Michigan residents who have been unwavering in their support."

If passed, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act will grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands. This recognition will enable tribal members to access federal resources, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance.

In addition to Congressman Moolenaar and Congresswoman Scholten, the legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Jack Bergman, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, Congressman Dan Kildee, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and Congressman Tim Walberg, all of Michigan.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

For more information on the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, their history, and their ongoing fight for federal recognition, visit their website here.

For more information on Congressman John Moolenaar, visit his website here.

For more information on Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, visit her website here.