New York State has reached a settlement agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, ending a legal dispute that began in 1982 over land purchases. The agreement returns approximately 9,500 acres in Franklin County and 4,800 acres in St. Lawrence County to the tribe. It also includes payments from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for use of the land and power provision, tuition assistance for tribal members at SUNY facilities and community colleges, and restored access to several islands on the St. Lawrence River.
“In order to pave a way forward, we must acknowledge the mistakes of the past — and I am grateful that the agreement between New York State and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has allowed us to do just that,” Governor Hochul said. “While New York’s history was stained with a tragic history, its future will be of justice, reconciliation, accountability and healing — as Governor, I am committed to supporting all Indigenous Peoples in our State and taking the necessary steps to strengthen and restore relations with the State.”
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council commented on the outcome: “Our land claim has spanned approximately 43 years. 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. The Settlement is not perfect, as it does not restore all Mohawk lands that we historically lost. However, the settlement provides us the opportunity to add, restore, and acquire lands, as well as to remove property taxes, provide funding for Akwesasne Mohawk students at SUNY, in addition to acquiring power at a preferred rate.”
Under terms of the settlement agreement:
– Disputed land in Franklin and St. Lawrence counties will become Indian Land when the agreement takes effect. About 9,200 acres in Franklin County and 3,200 acres in St. Lawrence County will be returned immediately.
– The state will make recurring payments including $2 million annually to Franklin County (with an additional $1 million from exclusivity payment funds) and $4 million annually to St. Lawrence County from exclusivity payment funds.
– A process is established for Akwesasne Mohawks to convert certain parcels into Indian Land if conditions are met.
For power usage:
– NYPA will pay SRMT $2 million per year for 35 years (totaling $70 million).
– Up to 9 mWh of lowest cost power will be provided each year for economic development or personal use by tribe members; this power cannot be resold except under specific circumstances involving permits.
On education:
– Tuition waivers cover up to eight full-time semesters at any SUNY facility or community college for enrolled Akwesasne Mohawks.
– Those applying to Cornell or Alfred receive reductions equivalent to SUNY undergraduate resident tuition rates.
– There are no income requirements attached.
Access rights allow SRMT members use of Croil Island, Long Sault Island, and Barnhart Island on the St. Lawrence River for hunting or gathering under regulations equal or more stringent than those applied statewide; boat launch fees at Robert Moses State Park – Thousand Islands are waived; environmental monitoring is permitted with advance notice; SRMT holds right of first refusal if these islands are ever sold by New York State.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the people of Akwesasne have long sought justice and the return of their rightful land,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m so grateful that, after decades of unceasing advocacy from tribal leaders, Governor Hochul has signed the agreement to return thousands of acres to the Tribe. I will continue working to ensure this agreement is ratified by Congress and remain a committed partner to Native communities across our state.”
Assemblymember Billy Jones said: “Although I’ve been involved with the land claim settlement discussions for over 15 years, most of the credit goes to the Franklin County legislators past and present, the County Managers, the town officials, and the members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe who worked tirelessly to come to this agreement. I have been involved in these talks since my time as chair of the Franklin County Legislature so I know firsthand how challenging it was to get this point… This agreement ensures a fair settlement for all parties.”
Franklin County Board Chair Ed Lockwood added: “After decades of negotiations among Franklin County…the three parties have reached a consensus…for review…We look forward to finalization…and opportunities it represents.”
St. Lawrence Board Chair David Forsythe noted: “This Settlement will provide opportunity…while improving opportunities for surrounding counties…This litigation has been active over 43 years…this historic settlement is testament [to] shared interest …Thank you …for resolving this long standing challenge.”
Governor Hochul’s administration previously visited Indigenous territories such as Cattaraugus Territory; issued formal apologies regarding state roles at institutions like Thomas Indian School; convened summits with Indigenous leaders; established positions focused on First Nations affairs within her office; returned more than 1,000 acres through agreements such as Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-historic-return-more-1000-acres-land-onondaga-nation); directed strategies strengthening objectives related Indian Child Welfare Act; funded dental care access ($2.5 million) aimed at addressing gaps (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-funding-expand-dental-care-access-indigenous-nations); launched reviews into artistic representations inside state buildings inviting participation from representatives across nine Indigenous Nations.
