Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

This bill formally reaffirms the federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan, acknowledging their historical existence as descendants of treaty signatories and their continuous political and social presence. Congress finds that the Tribe's history is virtually identical to other federally recognized Michigan Ottawa tribes, yet they have faced decades of delays and denials in their recognition process by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, despite meeting criteria under the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. Upon recognition, the Tribe and its members will become eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to Indians and federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation or the location of members' residences. The bill designates Newaygo, Oceana, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties in Michigan as the Tribe's service area and mandates the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land in trust for the Tribe within specific counties, with the possibility of such land becoming part of the Tribe's reservation. Additionally, the Tribe must submit a membership roll within 18 months, and the Act reaffirms all existing rights and claims of the Tribe.