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Representative Dan Benishek, along with Representative Debbie Dingell, are introducing legislation to support the efforts of the Burt Lake Band to become recognized by the federal government as an official tribe.
The Burt Lake Band is a Cheboygan County based group of Native Americans who have been seeking federal recognition for many years.
In a press release, Dingell says the Burt Lake Band has a long and well-documented history in Michigan and deserve to be recognized as the sovereign nation they are.
Benishek said that Native American tribes are an integral part of Northern Michigan’s history and culture.
Currently, Michigan is home to 13 federally recognized tribes, 8 of which reside in the First District.
Surrounding tribes and the County of Cheboygan have both expressed their support for this legislation.
