Lawsuit challenges Grand Traverse land-into-trust

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding off a land-into-trust application for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians due to a lawsuit.

The BIA wanted to acquire 22 acres of a former railroad right-of-way in trust for the tribe. But six property owners in Leelanau County say they are the rightful owners of the land.

The tribe submitted the application in 1994 and public comment was taken in 2005. Gerald Parish, superintendent for the BIA's Michigan agency, said the property owners never raised concerns.

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Property owners file suit over tribal trail (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 5/2)