He said its not guaranteed that the Department of Interior will grant federal status to Grand River Bands and if they do, any development could take years to move forward. In an interview with FOX17, Romanelli described Whitmer's logic as ill-advised. Unfortunately, that’s not how the Governor’s reading it and it’s unfortunate.” “The two projects, that being Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians federal recognition, and our project, they’re two totally separate projects,' said Little River Band Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli. Whitmer said if Grand River Band received federal recognition, it may open its own casino in the same area as the Little River Band. Department of Interior is considering whether to acknowledge the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. RELATED: Deadline for West Michigan tribes requested by Whitmer ignored by Dept. 'It is critical to have this information before making an informed decision.' 'The Department of the Interior first needs to decide whether they are providing federal recognition to the neighboring Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians,' said Whitmer. She blamed the federal government in her decision. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has denied the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposed Muskegon County casino.

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