H.R. 3255 would affirm federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan. The Tribe and its members would become eligible for federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes. The Tribe would have to submit a membership roll within 18 months of enactment. The bill also directs the Interior Secretary to take certain lands in Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana Counties into trust for the Tribe and allows some additional land acquisitions.
If you are an enrolled member, the bill would make you eligible for federal services and benefits for Indians and federally recognized tribes, regardless of where you live or whether the Tribe has a reservation. The service area for delivering those services would include Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties in Michigan. The Tribe would set membership qualifications under its governing documents.
The bill does not state a cost or provide a funding amount. No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say the Tribe has a long history of political and social ties with federal, state, and local governments, and that it has waited many years for federal recognition. No publicly available information on other proponents’ views.
No publicly available information.