The Burt Lake Band, historically known as the Cheboiganing Band, has a rich history in the beautiful lands around Burt Lake and the surrounding areas of Northern Michigan.

The Band is federally recognized by the United States through Treaties. Specifically, the Burt Lake Band was separately represented and separately signed the Treaties of 1836 and 1855.

The 1836 Treaty of Washington provided that the Cheboigan Band would receive a reservation of 1,000 acres on Cheboigan Lake, currently known as Burt Lake, within its aboriginal territory, for a period of five years after ratification of that treaty.  But the United States failed to provide that reservation.

The 1855 Treaty of Detroit provided that Ottawa and Chippewa Indians could select indivdual allotments of land within designated reserves. Two townships were set aside for selection by the “Cheboygan Band” in Cheboygan Country. Those members who selected allotments within that area were not awarded those individual land holdings until three years after a special Act of Congress was passed in 1872;

Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians continues to exist as a distinct Tribal entity and has never been terminated by the United States Congress

Fundamental justice requires reaffirmation of the status of that Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians as a federally recognized Indian Tribe.