Grand Traverse Band: Land-into-trust suit 'fruitless'

Thursday, May 8, 2008  

An attorney for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians says a lawsuit challenging the Michigan tribe's land-into-trust lawsuit is "fruitless."

The tribe wants about 22 acres placed in trust. A group of property owners, however, claims the land belongs to them.

Tribal attorney William Rastetter said the plaintiffs who filed the case are wasting their time. He said the state and federal courts have already ruled the land doesn't belong to them.

The land is part of the Leelanau Trail, which the tribe supports. The land used to be a former railroad right-of-way.

In related Grand Traverse news, the tribe has certified the results of its April 9 primary. Incumbent chairman Robert Kewaygoshkum will face Derek Bailey in the May 21 general election. Six candidates are seeking three open council seats.

Get the Story:
Tribe downplays suit over former rail corridor status (The Leelanau News 5/8)
Tribe certifies Primary results (The Leelanau News 5/8)

Lawsuit challenges Grand Traverse land-into-trust (5/2)
Grand Traverse Band vote in primary on Wednesday (4/8)