Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Advances After Decades of Dispute

published: October 27, 2024

MASSSENA, New York – A decades-long dispute over land claimed by the Akwesasne Mohawk people in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties appears poised for resolution, with negotiations reportedly reaching a successful conclusion on Friday. The agreement, if ratified, would bring an end to a legal battle that began 43 years ago.

U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-21), who represents the region in Congress, released a statement expressing optimism about the progress. “Now that we will have signatures from all parties, I will quickly move to expedite my bill to ratify this historic land agreement by congressional ratification,” Stefanik stated.

The timeline for congressional ratification remains uncertain, but the potential settlement marks a significant step forward for the Akwesasne Mohawk community.

Key Components of the Proposed Settlement

While the full details of the agreement haven’t been publicly released, reporting from 7 News in january outlined several key provisions. These include:

• Free Tuition at SUNY Schools: The agreement reportedly includes provisions for free tuition for Akwesasne mohawk students at State University of New York (SUNY) institutions.
• $70 Million Payout from NYPA: A $70 million payout is expected from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) as part of the settlement.
• Land Transfer: The agreement encompasses the transfer of land to the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.

Specifically, the land component of the agreement focuses on properties located in the towns of Massena and Brasher. The area largely consists of forested and agricultural land. Approximately 4,400 acres in st. Lawrence County are eligible to become part of the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation.

The situation is more nuanced for privately owned land. According to previous reporting, private property owners will retain ownership of their land unless they voluntarily choose to convey it to the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.

This settlement represents a landmark moment in the relationship between the Akwesasne Mohawk people and the state of New york, offering a path towards reconciliation and a more equitable future.