the Tribe, including Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier, attested to the continued social and political existence of the Tribe and concluded that the Tribe was eligible for reorganization. Due to a lack of Federal appropriations to implement the provisions of the Indian Reorganization Act, the Tribe was denied the opportunity to reorganize. (15) In 1939, agents of the Federal Government made an administrative decision not to provide services or extend the benefits of the Indian Reorganization Act to any Indian tribes in Michigan’s lower peninsula. (16) In spite of such denial, the Tribe continued their political and social existence with a viable Tribal government. The Tribe, along with other Michigan Odawa/Ottawa groups, including the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, formed the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association in 1948. The Association subsequently pursued a successful land claim with the Indian Claims Commission. (17) Between 1948 and 1975, the Tribe carried out many of its governmental functions through the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association, while retaining individual Tribal control over local decisions. (18) The Federal Government, the governments of the State of Michigan, and local governments have had continuous dealings with the recognized political leaders of the Tribe from 1821 to present. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Member The term member means an individual who is enrolled in the Tribe pursuant to section 7. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (3) Tribe The term Tribe means the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan. 4. Federal recognition (a) In general Federal recognition of the Tribe is hereby affirmed. (b) Effect of federal laws Except as otherwise provided in this Act, all Federal laws (including regulations) of general application to Indians and Indian tribes, including the Act of June 18, 1934 ( 25 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.