Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians applauds Whitmer’s letter on federal recognition


DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 

LANSING – Chairman Ron Yob of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians issued the following statement regarding  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s letter sent May 23 to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding the tribe’s petition for federal recognition. 

“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians applauds Gov. Whitmer for urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to promptly issue its proposed findings on our federal recognition petition. Our tribal citizens desperately need the resources afforded to federally recognized tribes such as healthcare, housing and education.  

I also want to thank our country’s first Native American Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland, for putting our petition back on active consideration. We know that with the support of the Governor and members of the Michigan Congressional delegation, our petition will receive fair and swift consideration. Furthermore, I want to say ‘Mii Gwitch’ (thank you) to the many tribal leaders in Michigan that have supported our recognition petition.  

However, I am deeply concerned and disappointed that another tribe is attempting to pressure the Governor to give away some of our homelands in order to build an off-reservation casino on the treaty lands of our Tribe. This is morally wrong and unjust, and we call on Governor Whitmer to reject this cynical effort. 

I have the greatest respect for Governor Whitmer, and she fully understands the history of the tribes in Michigan. It is shameful that another tribe would seek to alienate our people from the lands of their ancestors. I am hopeful that Governor Whitmer will preserve and protect the lands of the Grand River Bands for generations to come. 

And let me just say that when we achieve our federal recognition – we will explore economic opportunities that will benefit tribal members and local communities.” 

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is state recognized tribe and has been “active consideration list” with the U.S. Department of the Interior since 2013. While on its last step for being recognized, the petition was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Federal recognition would allow the Grand River Bands to access resources that are only afforded to federally recognized tribes such as tuition, health care and housing assistance. The Grand River Bands have also launched digital ads and billboards in the Lansing area as part of the campaign. 

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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 residents in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties.