Moolenaar, Scholten Introduce Bill to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten introduced the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, which would grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB).

“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have made Michigan a better place and they are worthy of full recognition from the federal government. This legislation will cut through the red tape the tribe has experienced in dealing with the Department of Interior," said Moolenaar. "It is long overdue, and I am proud to join the tribe and its supporters across Michigan in advocating for this important effort for federal recognition."

“The Grand River Bands are an essential part of our state’s history, culture, and community, and their federal Tribe recognition is long overdue,” said Scholten. “I look forward to ensuring that the GRB gets the recognition, resources, and investments they deserve.”

"On behalf of the Grand River Bands, I thank the Michigan congressional delegation members who co-sponsored this bill that will help us finally achieve our long-stated goal of federal recognition after three decades of administrative delays by the broken federal acknowledgment process,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands. “We will pursue every possible avenue to achieve our recognition and provide long-awaited justice to our members. We are honored that we are joined in this important fight by a bipartisan majority of the Michigan congressional delegation, community organizations, other tribes and West Michigan residents who have been unwavering in their support.”

The bipartisan Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands, which will allow tribal members to access federal resources – including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. Additional cosponsors of the legislation are Congressman Jack Bergman, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, Congressman Dan Kildee, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and Congressman Tim Walberg, all of Michigan. Bill text can be found here.