FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
CONTACT: Sydney Smith, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, ssmith@byrumfisk.com, 586-212-3103
LANSING – The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians pledged to continue their advocacy for federal recognition and address additional information requested by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“While we disagree with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s initial findings on our petition, we are confident we can provide the additional information requested and ultimately achieve the long overdue federal recognition for our tribal members,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands. “The Grand River Bands has a long history in Michigan, with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795, and we are a state recognized tribe. We have support from numerous lawmakers, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, other tribes, business groups, community organizations and West Michigan residents who have and continue to advocate alongside us, and we remain confident we will be granted federal recognition and be able to provide justice and critical resources for our members.”
The Grand River Bands have advocated for their federal recognition for nearly three decades. Federal recognition would allow tribal members to access critical resources such as tuition, health care and housing assistance, among many others.
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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 resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties.