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Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2160| Senate 
| Updated: 6/25/2025
Gary C. Peters

Gary C. Peters

Democratic Senator

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
Elissa Slotkin (Democratic)

Indian Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5227
Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2024
May 7, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3255
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5227
    Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2024


  • May 7, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3255
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Native Americans

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3255: Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2160| Senate 
| Updated: 6/25/2025
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5227
Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2024
May 7, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3255
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5227
    Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2024


  • May 7, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3255
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Gary C. Peters

Gary C. Peters

Democratic Senator

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
Elissa Slotkin (Democratic)

Indian Affairs Committee

Native Americans

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3255: Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted