The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, a vibrant and historically significant Native American tribe, traces its ancestry to specific bands of the Grand River Ottawa. These ancestors historically resided in villages strategically located along the Manistee River, the Pere Marquette River, and within the extensive Grand River watershed in what is now the state of Michigan. This geographical footprint underscores the tribe’s deep connection to the land and its resources.
A Federally Recognized Tribe
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians holds the distinction of being a federally recognized tribe, a status that acknowledges its sovereign rights and government-to-government relationship with the United States. This recognition is crucial for the tribe’s ability to self-govern, access federal programs and services, and protect its cultural heritage.
Contact Information
For those seeking to connect with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the following contact information is available:
- Address: 2608 Government Center Drive, Manistee, MI 49660
- Phone: (231) 723-8288 or Toll-free: 1-888-723-8288
- Email: currentscomments@lrboi-nsn.gov
- Official Website: www.lrboi-nsn.gov/
The tribe’s website serves as a valuable resource for information about its history, government, programs, and cultural events.
Names and Linguistic Connections
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is part of a larger linguistic and cultural family. The term "Ottawa" itself is subject to various spellings and related names, reflecting the nuances of language and historical record-keeping. Some alternate names and spellings associated with the Ottawa people include:
- Chipewa
- Chipawa
- Anishinaabe
- Anishinababe
- Anishinabeg
- Ojibway
- Ojibwe
- Ojibwa
- Chippewa
- Algonquin
These names highlight the close linguistic and cultural ties between the Ottawa and other Algonquin-speaking tribes, particularly the Ojibwe and Chippewa. The term "Anishinaabe," meaning "original people," is often used as a broader identifier for this group of related tribes.
Geographical Location and Traditional Territory
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is located within the broader cultural region known as the Northeast (Eastern Woodland). Specifically, they are closely associated with the Ojibwa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi peoples, who share similar cultural traditions and historical experiences in the Great Lakes region.
Today, the tribe’s primary presence is in the state of Michigan, where it maintains its headquarters and exercises its sovereign rights.
The traditional territory of the Ottawa people, including the ancestors of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, encompassed a vast area spanning both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan. This territory was essential for their traditional way of life, providing resources for hunting, cultivation, and gathering. They followed well-established travel routes and utilized the resources along the western and northern shores of Lake Michigan and the northern shore of Lake Huron for over 150 years.
The fur trade played a significant role in the Ottawa economy from 1615 to 1850. Ottawa communities were often strategically situated at crucial trading points, facilitating the exchange of goods and resources.
Treaties and Governance
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians entered into several treaties with the United States government, most notably the 1836 Treaty of Washington and the 1855 Treaty of Detroit. These treaties established land reservations, which remain under the tribe’s jurisdiction today. These treaties are critical legal documents that define the tribe’s relationship with the federal government and protect its land rights.
The tribe’s headquarters are located in Manistee, Michigan, which serves as the center of its governmental operations.
Related Tribes and Cultural Connections
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians shares close cultural and historical ties with numerous other tribes in the Great Lakes region and beyond. These related tribes include:
- Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Chippewa-Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Forest County Potawatomi
- Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Hannaville Indian Community
- Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
- La Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Lac de Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians
- Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Potawatomi
- Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
- Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
- Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
- Saginaw Chippewa Indians
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community
- St. Croix Chippewa Indians
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
This extensive list underscores the interconnectedness of the Anishinaabe peoples and their shared cultural heritage.
A Glimpse into the Past: History of the Ottawa
The history of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, like that of many Native American tribes, is marked by periods of resilience, adaptation, and struggle. Significant historical periods include:
- The 1836 Manistee Reservation Era (1821-1836): This period saw the establishment of the Manistee Reservation, a crucial step in defining the tribe’s land base.
- The 1855-1870 Reservation Era: This era witnessed further negotiations and adjustments to the tribe’s reservation lands.
- The Dispossession and Dissolution Era (1870-1890): This was a challenging time, marked by pressures to assimilate and the loss of tribal lands.
- The Restoration Era (1889-1994): This period saw a resurgence of tribal identity and efforts to regain federal recognition and self-governance.
These historical eras provide context for understanding the challenges and triumphs of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in preserving their culture and asserting their sovereignty. The history of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Anishinaabe people.