The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians asked the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday to speed up its federal recognition petition.

The tribe needs federal recognition to obtain $4.4 million, its share of a Congressional settlement fund. The tribe also wants to provide health, education, housing and other services to its members, said Ron Yob, the chairman.

S.437, the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan Referral Act, would force the Interior Department to consider the status of the Grand River Band. If no decision, positive or negative, was made by a certain date, the tribe would gain legislative recognition.

The tribe is not interested in gaming, Yob testified. But Rev. David Willerup, pastor of the Westwood Reform Church, said the group backing the tribe wants a casino.

A webcast of yesterday's hearing and testimony submitted to the committee can be found at http://indian.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=52.

Get the Story:
Michigan tribe seeks fast-track recognition by feds (The Lansing State Journal 6/22)
State Indian tribe continues to push for federal recognition (AP 6/22)

Relevant Links:
Grand River Bands, site 1 - http://www.grboi.com
Grand River Bands, site 2 - http://www.grboi.net

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