Reps. Scholten, James Introduce Bill to Grant Federal Recognition to Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
Released May 8, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) reintroduced the bipartisan Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act alongside Rep. John James (R-MI-10). This bill would give the tribe official recognition from the federal government, and help tribal members receive important services, such as health care, tuition, and housing assistance.
“The Grand River Bands are a central part of our state’s history, culture, and community, and it’s long overdue that we officially recognize them as a sovereign tribe,” said Rep. Scholten. “They are foundational to the identity of West Michigan, and for nearly 30 years, the Grand River Bands have been advocating for federal recognition. I’m committed to ensuring they get the resources and respect they deserve.”
“I am proud to support the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, a critical and long-overdue measure to grant federal recognition to a tribal nation with deep historical roots in Michigan and an enduring legacy of service, community, and resilience,” said Rep. James. “For generations, the Grand River Bands have made meaningful contributions to our state and country – and yet, they have remained unjustly excluded from the federal recognition they deserve. Without federal recognition, they are denied access to the same opportunities available to other federally recognized tribes including health care, housing assistance, and educational support. This bill fixes that and I’m honored to support it.”
“On behalf of the Grand River Bands, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Reps. Scholten and James, along with the Michigan Congressional delegation, for helping champion federal recognition for our tribe,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands. “For more than three decades, we have advocated for acknowledgement by the federal government to give our tribal members access to resources they have long deserved. This bill brings us a step closer to recognition, which will help us continue to grow and preserve our traditions for generations to come.”
The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB) is a sovereign Native nation with a history of agreements with the United States Government dating back to 1795. Historically, the GRB was made up of 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and surrounding waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, many members of the Grand River Bands live in communities across Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties, and stay connected to the same region their ancestors have called home for generations.