Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced 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 introduce this historic legislation ratifying the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement that returns thousands of acres of land back to the Akwesasne Mohawks. This is a significant milestone for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe following over four decades of tireless advocacy from their council members,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expresses its gratitude to Congresswoman Stefanik for introducing legislation to approve the Akwesasne Mohawks land claim settlement in New York. Our claim has spanned over four decades, and we look forward to seeing the hard work of many Akwesasne leaders finally come to fruition as the bill progresses through Congressional and Presidential approval. Getting our land back has been a goal of ours and our ancestors—we would not be here without the perseverance and courage from everyone who worked on the claim and negotiations since 1982,” said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.
“After decades of dedicated negotiations, we are pleased that an agreement has been reached and will now be submitted to the Federal Government for review and approval,” said Franklin County Legislature Chairman Ed Lockwood and Legislator Paul Lauzon. “This marks a historic milestone and represents a major step forward in resolving longstanding issues that have impacted our communities for generations. We commend all parties for their commitment, patience, and perseverance in working toward a solution that honors the past and builds a stronger foundation for the future. We look forward to the next steps in this important process and will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of this agreement.”
“St. Lawrence County is excited to learn that Congresswoman Stefanik will be presenting language to Congress that would provide a successful conclusion to more than forty years of litigation. The nature of this landmark occasion provides finality to more than two centuries of challenges for past generations of the North Country,” said St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair David Forsythe. “I commend the Team tasked with finalizing the agreement. Many have come before you, all with the best of intentions and struggled, but this group was able to work through the disputed items and reach a successful agreement. It is remarkable and serves to create an environment where we seek to recognize the past and prepare for the future, together. Thank you all who worked to bring this to agreement.”
Additionally, 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.
Read the full text of the bill here.
