Legislation uplifts transparency, partnership with 12 federally recognized tribes
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) brought legislation to the floor today that embodies her continued commitment to strengthen government ties with Michigan’s Native American tribes.
The House voted on both House Bill 5600 and House Resolution 296, which designates Sept. 27, 2024, as Michigan Indian Day. HB 5600 creates the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison (OTLL) in the Legislature and seeks to better facilitate formal consultation in the policymaking process between legislators and the 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan. Funding to support the OTLL is reflected in the fiscal year 2025 budget, which takes effect Oct. 1.
“I am ecstatic to have the House support and pass this bill. The tribal nations that share borders with Michigan have been asking to establish this legislative office for years,” Rheingans said. “The bill passage was a great commemoration of Michigan Indian Day on Friday. Once signed by the governor, Michigan will be the first state in the nation to have established a legislative office for tribal consultation.”
In an effort to advocate for her bill, Rheingans held a virtual press conference in March to discuss the impact and importance of this legislation alongside supporters Jamie Stuck, then-president of the United Tribes of Michigan and then-chairman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and Austin Lowes, then-vice president, now president, of the United Tribes of Michigan and chairman of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa.
After its introduction, the bill moved to the committee of Government Operations. Today, United Tribes of Michigan Executive Director Frank Ettawageshik and Lowes gave testimony on the bill before it moved to the House Floor for a vote.
“Tribes have a long-standing working relationship with the executive office beginning in former Gov. John Engler’s administration, in the mid-to-late 1990s through our current governor, Gretchen Whitmer,” Lowes said. “It’s time for the Michigan Legislature to create an internal office that works alongside the executive office and strengthen our collective partnership throughout the State of Michigan.”
Rheingans also spearheaded HB 4852, now law, that named manoomin as the state’s official native grain. Manoomin, the Anishinaabe word for “good grain” or “good seed,” holds a prominent place in the current cultures, religions and history of the Anishinaabe peoples. Manoomin historically and currently provides nutrition for many tribal nations across the Great Lakes region and can play a role in spiritual ceremonies. The existence of manoomin in waterways also helps maintain and advance marine health. Michigan is the first state to establish a state native grain.
“The state of Michigan and our tribal partners have engaged in many fruitful and cooperative efforts to improve the lives of our citizens and Michigan Indian Day is an annual opportunity to honor those accomplishments,” Rheingans said. “The OTLL will help advance our cooperation between governments, because it will help the Legislature prioritize tribal nations’ needs, perspective on legislative impact and better future collaboration.”
Michigan Indian Day falls on the fourth Friday of each September. This year, in honor of the 50th Michigan Indian Day, the Annishinabe Friendship circle will host a Powwow Exhibition from noon to 1 p.m. at the west steps of the state Capitol Building to celebrate Native American cultures. The event is more than a celebration, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that Native American communities face.