Back in Allegan County, the distant drums will signal a new era of Indian presence and power that will likely lead to a community in Allegan County and a casino-resort south of Grand Rapids. The first treaty was signed with this tribe in 1795. War Chief Powerful Bird signed another in 1821, securing continued peace between settlers and the true natives of the Kalamazoo River basin. But a government reformation treaty in the 1930s dropped the claims of many tribes. Some later refused the indignity of applying for re-recognition.
Federal recognition means restoration of tribal lands, rights and responsibilities.
It means access to federal programs for housing, education, health care and social aid. And it also means big business. Federally recognized status raises the likelihood of a casino being built between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. And wherever a casino might be built, tribal officials have said 2,000 jobs will be created, along with spinoff business. Gov. John Engler has vowed he will not allow the licensing of any more Indian casinos, specifically mentioning the Gun Lake Band.