The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has roots in the Grand Traverse region going back to the 1830s; after two earlier denials, the federal government formally re-recognized the tribe on May 27, 1980.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has called this corner of Michigan home for a very long time. In the 1830s, six Ottawa and Chippewa bands were living in the Grand Traverse region.
Getting federal recognition proved to be a long, uphill fight. The tribe applied in 1934 and was turned down. They tried again in 1943 — and were turned down again. The third effort finally made it through: on May 27, 1980, the federal government formally re-recognized the Grand Traverse Band. Today the tribe’s service area stretches across six Michigan counties.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: June 7, 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Federal Acknowledgment — Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (Petitioner #003)
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (Official Site) — History
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (Official Site) — Sovereignty and History (Timeline)