Grand Traverse Band objects to water legislation

Tuesday, March 25, 2008  

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians says two bills in the Michigan Legislature would violate its treaty rights.

The tribe and four others signed an agreement with the state to resolve fishing and hunting issues. The two bills -- which relate to the withdrawal of water from rivers and streams -- would result in less water for fish, the tribe said.

"Any such reductions would amount to an unconstitutional taking of the tribe's property right in fish resources of rivers and streams," l Chairman Robert Kewaygoshkum wrote in a letter to lawmakers, the Associated Press reported.

The Little Traverse Bands of Odawa Indians is also concerned about the bills.

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Tribe says water legislation would violate its fishing rights (AP 3/25)