AKWESASNE — (Onerahtó:kha/April 26, 2023) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is one step closer to resolving the on-going New York state land claim.
Following a special board meeting held on April 15th, St. Lawrence County legislators have formally endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding that includes settlement terms applicable to the County. The Tribe expresses its genuine satisfaction that both St. Lawrence and Franklin County have now approved the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) negotiated between the involved parties.
This development moves Akwesasne closer to reclaiming over 14,000 acres of 1796 Treaty lands unlawfully sold to New York state in the 1800s. A negotiated settlement is preferred over further litigation, affording the parties more flexibility in the settlement process.
“We feel encouraged by this progress. It has been an arduous journey and we have worked extremely hard on a settlement agreement that is in the best interests of our community and generations to come,” affirmed Tribal Council.
Council hopes to reach a resolution on this final MOU by the May 8th deadline set by the Magistrate for the parties to file a status report on settlement progress, including the status of each parties’ approval process and progress.
Since the announcement of Bill A7759 authorizing Governor Kathy Hochul to endorse the final agreement, the Tribe has engaged the community in several land claim information sessions to provide factual information, and address questions and concerns.