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.

2026 Spring Celebration & Kids’ Duck Race

Join the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians for our annual Spring Celebration and Kids’ Duck Race, taking place Saturday, May 9, at Townsend Park.

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.

News & Updates

Join us for the 2026 Spring Celebration & Kids’ Duck Race

What: 2026 Spring Celebration and Kids’ Duck Race When: Saturday, May 9. Registration opens at 1 p.m. and races begin at 2 p.m. Where: Townsend Park Pavilion, Ramsdell Ave. NE

More Than Just a Stick: Grand River Bands showcase Native engineering at Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition

The traditional Native American snow snake game challenges players to launch handmade wooden “snakes” down a snow track to see whose can travel the furthest.