Bureau of Indian Affairs head Dave Anderson announced on Friday he was issuing a preliminary decision against federal recognition of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa of Michigan.

According to the BIA, the tribe failed to meet four out of seven mandatory criteria for federal status. Researchers said the tribe didn't provide enough evidence to show identification as an Indian entity since 1900, community presence, political influence over its members and descent from an historical Indian nation.

BIA staff also said the tribe, in its present form, was not previously acknowledged in 1917 since a good portion of its membership cannot show descent from an historical Indian nation.

Anderson's proposed finding is subject to a 180-day comment period. It will not be final until additional information is evaluated.

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Anderson Issues Proposed Finding to Decline Federal Acknowledgment of Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa, Inc. (DOI 3/26)