State Senator Jon Bumstead, R-Muskegon, and Representative Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, are urging the Governor to finally endorse the casino, as the likelihood of tribal recognition seems slim. We remain confident that we will ultimately secure the long overdue federal recognition for our tribal members and deliver long-awaited justice to our members.” Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, June 15, rejected a request from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to build an off-reservation casino at the former Great Lakes Downs Racetrack site near the U.S. Department of Interior has consistently provided support for our endeavors, and we have been gathering evidence of our lengthy history as a unique political community. A proposed casino project in Fruitport will not go forward. Ron Yob, the Chair of the tribe, stated, “The U.S. Nonetheless, the tribe has engaged professional historians to establish their long-term existence. The tribe members should be part of a “distinct community that has existed as a community over time.” The Little River Band, however, is a recently formed entity, consisting of various separate groups that have consolidated into one tribe. The key issue with recognition lies in one of the seven criteria that needed to be met.
