Native Americans in Grand Rapids

More than 2,000 years ago, the Hopewell Indians occupied the Grand River Valley that is now the site of Grand Rapids . Around 1700 A.D., the Ottawa Indians founded several villages along the Grand River and later lived in peace alongside European settlers. The city is proud of this heritage – and gratified that Native Americans are working to reclaim a position of power and influence.

• The 2000 Census revealed 1,454 Native Americans living in Grand Rapids and 2,999 in Kent County.
• Native American Community Services offers culturally relevant programs and services to Native American people and their households in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
• Turtle Talk is a bimonthly newsletter that provides its readership with local and national news items that may affect and impact our Native American community.
• The Homecoming of the Three Fires Traditional Pow Wow, sponsored by the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, is an annual event promoting cultural understanding.
• Each year, area Native Americans plant a traditional Three Sisters Garden , using traditional tools and organic heirloom seeds of corn, squash and beans.
• The Van Andel Museum contains one of the state’s largest permanent collections relating to Native American culture.

Find out more about...

• Places of Worship
• Services
• Media
• Special Events

Other sources of information

• Native American Community Services
• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Diversity Initiatives and Programs