Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have stepped forward with new legislation intended to correct a longstanding oversight: federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). The bill, known as the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, was introduced in the Senate and seeks to acknowledge the GRB's long history in Southwest Michigan, where most of their membership currently resides. The proposed recognition would avail the tribe to critical federal benefits, including education, health care, and housing assistance, which have been inaccessible due to their non-federally recognized status.
According to WOOD TV8, the tribe, comprising 19 bands of Ottawa people originally settled along the Grand River and other waterways, possess certified agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. Yet, they remain unrecognized by the Department of the Interior. Peters remarked on the significance of the legislation, saying, "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 struggle for recognition isn't solely about resources—though they are crucial—it's also deeply about honoring the Grand River Bands’ heritage and assuring their progeny's rights and acknowledgment. Ron Yob, chairman of the GRB, expressed profound gratitude for the bipartisan support from Michigan's congressional delegation, citing the importance of finally gaining recognition, “And for the sake of our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and future descendants, we have to push this through for them,” in a statement obtained by WOOD TV8.
Complementary efforts are underway in the House, where U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids has introduced a companion bill. With support spanning the aisle, the GRB's appeal for recognition has garnered backing from an array of local organizations and government leaders, showcasing the broad community investment in their cause. In a statement released by Senator Peters's official website, Ron Yob thanked Peters and co-sponsors, “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.”
The introduction of the current bill marks a crucial step towards resolving a 30-year journey for recognition for the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, a sentiment that captures, the tribe's resilience and determination, in the words of Chairman Yob as he resolved, “We’re not going anywhere. We have been here thousands of years. We are the tribe of record. We are treatied here. Our documentation shows us to be from this Grand River valley. We’re the only tribe here,” as noted by WOOD TV8.
