BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Following approval by the St. Lawrence County Legislature and the Tribal Council last December to settle an Akwesasne Land Claim Settlement, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has introduced legislation to ratify the agreement in Congress.

Stefanik announced the legislation today, April 14, noting that all entities including 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 agreed to the deal that would return 3,500 acres to the Tribe, as well as allow for the opportunity to potentially regain an additional 14,000 acres.

“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 Stefanik.

The bill was met with enthusiasm by St. Lawrence County lawmakers who praised all involved for their work to bring the land claim to an end.

“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," Forsythe continued.

The introduction of legislation is one of the final steps necessary to finalize the deal, which has been in the works for over 40 years since the Tribe first sued in Federal Court to reclaim lost lands.

“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.

The agreement was subject to review and approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of Interior, which championed the settlement in recent months.

"The litigation first began 42 years ago but we really saw the most progress in the last decade or so. I think that's a testament to all parties agreeing to move forward, to find some common ground while looking to the future so we all can be good neighbors to one another," St. Lawrence County Attorney Steve Button previously said.

As part of the agreement Tribal members will also receive free tuition and waiver of mandatory fees if they attend SUNY institutions.

The Tribe also has the right to acquire 9 megawatts of power from the New York Power Authority at a preferred rate, along with $70 million from NYPA over 35 years.

As part of the agreement, in settling with New York State as well, over 900 parcels will have a clear title after more than $21 million in back taxes, penalties and interest were waived.

“The Tribal Council has weighed the consequences of not settling and being ordered back to federal court, where only the Hogansburg Triangle remains, and even if we were to win, we would not be awarded the land, jurisdiction, and hundreds of homes would remain foreclosed,” stated the Tribal Council.

“The land is the most important aspect of the settlement and getting here is due to the perseverance and strength of all the former Tribal Council members and technicians who worked on this claim and settlement dating back to 1982," the Council continued.

Tribal members will also have access to a portion of Barnhart for religious ceremonies, bow hunting, fishing and trapping, Button said.

Regulations for such activities stem from the tribe but "must meet or exceed state regulations," according to the agreement.

With legislation now pending in Congress, Stefanik and House leadership will push the legislation to the floor for approval, sending the bill to the Senate for approval thereafter.

At the state level, legislators previously signed off on legislation months ago to allow the governor to take action and sign the settlement agreement.

Since then, Governor Kathy Hochul has been mum on the matter, failing to sign off despite all parties ratifying it.

No timeline has been given as to when the governor will sign off on the deal.

Once complete though, the measure can be signed by President Donald Trump, officially bringing an end to the long gestating land claim.

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