Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation based along the Grand River and other waterways in present-day Southwest Michigan, spanning the cities of Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795.

The Grand River Bands originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Most of the Grand River Bands’ current membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties.

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Federal Recognition

The Grand River Bands have been working to gain federal recognition for nearly 30 years, and the lack of recognition has hindered the tribes’ ability to access resources.

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News & Updates

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‘Our history:’ Why the Grand River Burial Mounds are more than a protected site

December 9, 2025

The Grand River Burial Mounds have been around for roughly 2,000 years and stand as one of the most well-preserved sites of Hopewell Indian culture. For the most part, the mounds stand unmarked and undisturbed, and local Indigenous tribes plan to keep it that way.

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How a sprawling plum orchard in Michigan was used by Indigenous women for solace

November 10, 2025

Hundreds of years ago, Grand Rapids, or Bow-E-Ting (the rapids) in Anishinaabek, was home to a sprawling plum tree orchard utilized by Indigenous women searching for a place of solace.

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New sign in Grand Rapids honors thousands of years of Indigenous history

October 28, 2025

Commemorative marker at Eastown intersection recognizes Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians’ historical presence and ongoing community ties

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