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.

Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians gathering

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.

grand river band of ottawa indians

News & Updates

Bill in Congress would ‘validate’ the identity of a tiny west Michigan Indian tribe

Washington ― The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is leaning on Congress to act after the tribe has spent nearly 30 years trying to secure federal recognition that would give its members access to federal assistance and the authority to hold land as a tribe.

Scholten, Moolenaar introduce Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act

The bill, if passed, would recognize the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians on the federal level.

Bipartisan group introduces bill to federally recognize Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians

After nearly 30 years of back-and-forth with the Department of the Interior, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians hopes a different tactic will help them achieve federal recognition.