WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's (R-NY) legislation to ratify the land claim settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority. This agreement includes the return of Reservation Status of 3,500 acres as well as the opportunity for up to 14,000 total acres in the land claim areas.
"I am deeply honored to lead the passage of landmark legislation in Congress to ratify the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement. This is a historic agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority that will greatly benefit our North Country communities," said Stefanik.
"For more than 40 years, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne have worked diligently to resolve the Akwesasne land claim in Northern New York. The last decade has seen very focused efforts between the Tribe, local and county officials, and our Congressional office to realize this long-sought agreement dating back to the 1796 Treaty with the Seven Nations of Canada. This historic settlement provides longterm certainty and remedies in terms of lands, land acquisition, and payment of past property taxes," she concluded.
"The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council proudly hails the passage of House legislation approving the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim settlement in New York. This historic achievement brings us one major step closer to resolution of more than four decades of effort and determination by countless Akwesasne leaders. Regaining our land has been a long-standing goal shared by our ancestors and our community, and today’s success reflects the perseverance and courage of everyone who worked tirelessly on the claim and negotiations since 1982. We extend our gratitude to Congresswoman Stefanik for championing this legislation and helping make this milestone a reality," said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.
“This moment marks a truly momentous occasion, the culmination of many years of dedicated, patient, and persistent negotiation. Reaching a final Settlement Agreement represents far more than the conclusion of a long process—it opens the door to renewed partnerships, stronger coordination, and thoughtful, future-focused planning for all entities throughout Franklin County," Franklin County Board of Legislature Chairman Ed Lockwood said.
“This milestone stands as historic legislation in every sense. After more than four decades of effort, discussion, and commitment, we have arrived at a resolution that will hopefully allow us to strengthen the foundation for progress in the years ahead. It is both a recognition of where we have been and a commitment to building a more collaborative and prosperous future for our entire community,” said Franklin County Legislator Paul Lauzon, District 1.
“St. Lawrence County applauds the news of the passage of the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim settlement in the House of Representatives and express our thanks to Congresswoman Stefanik for her dedication in guiding this legislation,” said St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair David Forsythe. “I again want to commend the Team tasked with finalizing the agreement, who have succeeded where others have not.”
“H.R. 2916 resolves longstanding land claim issues between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, local communities and the federal government. This is an important step toward honoring commitments, improving local governance and promoting economic opportunity in northern New York. I commend Representative Stefanik for leadership on this issue and I look forward to working with her to see this bill fully enacted into law," said Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.
Stefanik reintroduced legislation ratifying the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement in April.
The settlement agreement includes:
- Free tuition and mandatory fees for all Akwesasne Mohawk students attending SUNY institutions;
- Right to acquire 9 megawatts of power at a preferred rate from New York Power Authority; and
- $70 million from New York Power Authority over 35 years.
