What does Preamble of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to reaffirm and clarify the Federal relationships of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan as a federally recognized Indian Tribe, and for other purposes.' The bill aims to reaffirm and clarify the federal relationships of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan as a federally recognized Indian Tribe.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

What does FINDINGS. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, an unrecognized Tribe consisting of 19 bands who historically occupied territory in west Michigan. The Tribe's history is linked to the 1821, 1836, and 1855 Treaties of Chicago, Washington, and Detroit, respectively. The Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-143) included funds for newly recognized or reaffirmed tribes, and the Tribe met the criteria outlined in section 110 of that Act. Despite filing a petition in 2000 and meeting all requirements, the Tribe has not been federally recognized, and its funds reverted to the Treasury. The Tribe has a long history of political and social existence, dating back to 1935 when it attempted reorganization under the Indian Reorganization Act. The Tribe, along with other Michigan Odawa/Ottawa groups, formed the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association in 1948 to pursue a land claim.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used in the Act Definitions include 'member', 'Secretary', and 'Tribe' The 'Tribe' refers to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan

What does FEDERAL RECOGNITION. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This section affirms federal recognition of the Tribe. Federal laws of general application to Indians and Indian Tribes, including the Indian Reorganization Act, apply to the Tribe and its members. Exceptions to the application of federal laws are provided elsewhere in this Act.

What does FEDERAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

The Tribe and its members are eligible for federal services and benefits Eligibility is without regard to the existence of a reservation or member residence location The service area for delivering services and benefits includes 5 Michigan counties

What does REAFFIRMATION OF RIGHTS. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This section affirms that the Act does not diminish any existing rights or privileges of the Tribe or its members. The Act does not alter or affect legal or equitable claims of the Tribe to enforce reserved or granted rights. These claims relate to rights or privileges wrongfully denied or taken from the Tribe before the Act's enactment.

What does MEMBERSHIP ROLL. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

The Tribe must submit a membership roll to the Secretary within 18 months of enactment. The membership roll includes names of enrolled Tribe members. Membership qualifications are determined by the Tribe's governing documents.

What does ACQUISITION OF LAND. of Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines the acquisition of land for the benefit of the Tribe. The Secretary is authorized to acquire trust title to land within Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana Counties, Michigan, and accept real property into trust in those counties, provided there are no adverse legal claims. The Secretary may also acquire additional land under the Indian Reorganization Act and take into trust land held by the Tribe within Kent and Ottawa Counties, Michigan. The Secretary must make a final determination regarding a request for land to be taken into trust within 18 months of the Tribe's submission. Upon request, land taken into trust under this section may be considered part of the Tribe’s reservation.

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Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025

Last updated: 6/25/2025 · Introduced: 6/25/2025

Author: Gary Peters (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan is affirmed as a federally recognized Indian Tribe, making them eligible for federal services and benefits.
The Secretary is authorized to acquire trust title to land in certain Michigan counties for the benefit of the Tribe, which may be considered part of the Tribe's reservation.
The Tribe must submit a membership roll to the Secretary within 18 months of enactment, including names of enrolled members based on qualifications determined by the Tribe's governing documents.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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