Governor Hochul Reaches Historic Settlement Agreement with Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has made a significant step in strengthening and restoring relationships with Indigenous peoples across New York State by announcing a settlement agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. The agreement brings an end to a decades-long dispute over land purchases, restoring approximately 9,500 acres in Franklin County and 4,800 acres in St. Lawrence County to the Tribe. This settlement also includes payments from the New York Power Authority for land use and access to power, as well as tuition assistance for tribal members to SUNY facilities and community colleges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The settlement agreement restores approximately 9,500 acres in Franklin County and 4,800 acres in St. Lawrence County to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, bringing an end to a 43-year-long dispute over land purchases.
  • The New York Power Authority will pay the Tribe $2 million every year for 35 years, totaling $70 million, and provide up to 9 mWh of lowest-cost power for use by the Tribe or its members.
  • The State will waive tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight full-time semesters for enrolled Akwesasne Mohawks at any SUNY facility or community college, and provide a reduction in tuition for members applying to Cornell or Alfred.
  • The settlement also includes access to the islands of Croil, Long Sault, and Barnhart on the St. Lawrence River for hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering, with certain limited restrictions.
  • The Governor's commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples in New York State includes visiting the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians, issuing a formal apology regarding New York State's role in the operation of the Thomas Indian School, and convening leaders from Indigenous Nations for a historic summit at the New York State Capitol.
  • Governor Hochul continues to work towards building a more inclusive and equitable State, as demonstrated by her previous actions, including the return of over 1,000 acres of land to the Onondaga Nation and the proposal to strengthen the stability of Indigenous Families.

Statistics:

  • The settlement agreement covers approximately 9,500 acres in Franklin County and 4,800 acres in St. Lawrence County.
  • The New York Power Authority will pay the Tribe $2 million every year for 35 years, totaling $70 million.
  • 9 mWh of lowest-cost power will be provided to the Tribe or its members for use.
  • Up to 8 full-time semesters of tuition and mandatory fees will be waived for enrolled Akwesasne Mohawks at SUNY facilities or community colleges.
  • 15 years have passed since Assemblymember Billy Jones was involved in land claim settlement discussions.
  • The County has been urging conciliation that would result in settlement since 2014.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of New York: "Governor Hochul Announces Historic Settlement Agreement with Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe"
  • Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council: "Statement on the Settlement Agreement"
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: "Statement on the Settlement Agreement"
  • Assemblymember Billy Jones: "Statement on the Settlement Agreement"
  • Franklin County Board of Legislators Chair Ed Lockwood: "Statement on the Settlement Agreement"
  • St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair David Forsythe: "Statement on the Settlement Agreement"