Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to authorize, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin County, St. Lawrence County, the Town of Fort Covington, the Town of Bombay, and the New York Power Authority to resolve the decades-old Akwesasne Mohawk land claim.
In September, Governor Hochul announced that New York State had reached a settlement agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, bringing an end to a decades-long dispute that first commenced in 1982. This agreement is a major step in righting historic wrongs after years of perseverance and determination from Akwesasne Mohawk leaders.
“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the people of Akwesasne have long sought justice and the return of their rightful land,” said Senator Gillibrand. “After decades of unceasing advocacy from tribal leaders, I am grateful to partner with the Tribe and Governor Hochul to finalize the agreement through Congress and return thousands of acres of land to the Tribe. I will continue to remain a committed partner to Native communities across our state.”
“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council extends heartfelt thanks to Senator Gillibrand for championing the Senate version of legislation to resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim in New York. This milestone represents the culmination of more than forty years of determination and advocacy by Akwesasne leaders. Securing the return of our land has been our unwavering goal, and today we honor the perseverance and courage of all who have worked tirelessly since the inception of this claim to make this settlement possible. We look forward to seeing this historic effort move through the Senate and toward final approval,” said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.
“New York has always served as a beacon of hope not just in the United States but to those who arrive from all around the world,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “While we take pride in that, it’s also critically important that we acknowledge with honesty and a sense of reconciliation, accountability and healing that our history is a complicated one. It’s why I am grateful that New York State and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe were able to reach an agreement that does just that. This settlement is a further testament to what we can achieve when we lead with justice and a spirit of reconciliation. As Governor, I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore relations and return these thousands of acres to the Tribe. I am thankful to Senator Gillibrand for introducing legislation to authorize, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement so we can ensure a future of healing and strengthening our bond with all Indigenous Peoples across our State.”
The agreement settled disputes over land in addition to power usage, education benefits, and access to the islands of Croil, Long Sault, and Barnhart on the St. Lawrence River:
Restores Land Rights
- The agreement returns approximately 9,200 acres in Franklin County and 3,200 acres in St. Lawrence County to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, with an immediate restoration of 3,400 acres in Franklin County and 1,300 acres in St. Lawrence County.
- New York will make recurring payments of $2 million annually to Franklin County with an additional $1 million annual payment to Franklin County out of money received from the exclusivity payment, and a $4 million annual payment to St. Lawrence County out of money received from the exclusivity payment.
- The agreement will establish a process for Akwesasne Mohawks to convert certain parcels to Indian Land should the right conditions be met.
Improves Access to Education
- New York State will waive the tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight full-time semesters for any enrolled Akwesasne Mohawk at any State University of New York (SUNY) facility or community college.
- Ensures that members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe applying to Cornell University or Alfred University will receive a reduction equivalent to the SUNY undergraduate resident tuition rate.
Establishes Payments for Power Usage
- Included payments of $2 million every year from the New York Power Authority to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for 35 years, totaling $70 million.
- The New York Power Authority will provide the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe with up to 9 megawatt hours of lowest cost power that can be used to grow the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s economy or by members for personal use.
- The power provided cannot be resold on the open market and can only be transmitted into Canada if the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne obtains all the necessary permits and approvals.
Improves Access to Land
- Affirms that the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe can access the islands of Croil, Long Sault, and Barnhart on the St. Lawrence River for hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering with certain limited restrictions.
- Also affirms the waived fees for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to use the boat launch at Robert Moses State Park – Thousand Islands.
- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has the right of first refusal if New York State ever wishes to alienate any of the islands.
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