Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council is a federally recognized tribe of Ottawa people and Ojibwe people in the United States, with its tribal council headquartered in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The tribe is affiliated with the Intertribal Council of Michigan and the National Congress of American Indians. The Grand Traverse Band is also a member of the United Tribes of Michigan and the Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority. The tribe has a close relationship with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

● Introduction

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council is a sovereign nation with its own Tribal Code and Constitution. The tribe operates several Tribal enterprises, including the Turtle Creek Casino and the Leelanau Sands Casino, which are regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission. The tribe also has a Tribal police department and a Tribal court system, which work in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Grand Traverse Band is a member of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

● History

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has a rich and diverse history, with ancestral ties to the Ottawa Nation and the Three Fires Confederacy. The tribe has a long history of interaction with European-American settlers, including the French colonization of the Americas and the British colonization of the Americas. The tribe was affected by the Indian Removal Act and the Treaty of Washington (1836), which led to the forced relocation of many Native American tribes. The Grand Traverse Band was also impacted by the Dawes Act and the Indian Reorganization Act, which aimed to assimilate Native American tribes into mainstream American society. The tribe has worked closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service to address the historical trauma and ongoing challenges faced by the tribe.

● Government

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council is a democratically elected government, with a Tribal chairman and a Tribal council composed of elected representatives. The tribe has a Constitution and Bylaws that outline the structure and powers of the tribal government. The tribe is a member of the National Congress of American Indians and the United South and Eastern Tribes. The Grand Traverse Band works closely with the State of Michigan and the United States Congress to address issues related to Tribal sovereignty and Native American rights. The tribe has also established relationships with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior to address environmental and natural resource issues.

● Economy

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has a diverse economy, with a mix of Tribal enterprises and private businesses. The tribe operates several Casinos, including the Turtle Creek Casino and the Leelanau Sands Casino, which generate revenue for the tribe. The tribe also has a Tribal retail sector, with several convenience stores and gas stations. The Grand Traverse Band has established partnerships with the Small Business Administration and the Native American Business Development Center to support Native American entrepreneurship. The tribe has also invested in Renewable energy projects, including Solar power and Wind power, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

● Culture

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has a rich and vibrant culture, with a strong emphasis on Traditional practices and Cultural preservation. The tribe has a Cultural center and a Museum that showcase the history and culture of the tribe. The Grand Traverse Band celebrates several Cultural events throughout the year, including the Powwow and the Sun Dance. The tribe has also established a Language program to revitalize the Ottawa language and the Ojibwe language. The Grand Traverse Band works closely with the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution to preserve and promote Native American culture.

● Land Claims and Reservations

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has a long history of Land claims and Reservation establishment. The tribe has a Reservation in Leelanau County, Michigan, which was established through the Treaty of Washington (1836). The Grand Traverse Band has also established a Trust land base, which is managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe has worked with the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency to address environmental and natural resource issues on the Reservation. The Grand Traverse Band is a member of the Intertribal Timber Council and the Native American Rights Fund, which work to protect Tribal sovereignty and Native American rights related to Land use and Natural resource management.

Category:Native American tribes