Peters, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Representative Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

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.

"For decades, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has been working to gain federal Tribal recognition," said Senator Peters. "This bill would finally give them the recognition they deserve, bringing federal resources to its members and protecting their Tribal lands for future generations."

"The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have deep roots in Michigan going back generations," said Senator Stabenow. "The tribe is recognized by the State of Michigan, but not by the Department of Interior. This legislation would finally grant federal recognition to this tribe."

"On behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill. After decades of delays, this bill brings renewed hope that our Tribe will achieve federal recognition and our members will gain access to the resources they deserve, including critical funding for social services, education, housing, elder care, exercising our treaty rights and weighing in on federal legislation that impacts tribes. We are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to justice for the Grand River Bands," said Ron Yob, Chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.

This legislation is supported by community partners and local government leaders including the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds; the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades; and other key stakeholders throughout Michigan. Rep. Scholten's House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), and John James (R-MI-10).

Peters and Stabenow have previously led efforts to support Tribal communities across Michigan. In August, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced legislation authored by Peters that would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Peters and Stabenow to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and clear the title of current landowners in the community. The bill authorizes federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that may be used by the KBIC for governmental services, economic development, natural resource protection, and land acquisition.

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