Burt Lake Band seeks $1.5M in legal fees over recognition fight

The Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is asking a federal court for $1.5 million in attorney fees after a yearslong legal battle with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Michigan-based tribe argues the government caused unnecessary delays in finalizing a rule allowing denied tribes to reapply for federal recognition. A judge previously ruled in the tribe’s favor, calling the DOI’s restrictions “arbitrary and capricious.” The case continues.