AKWESASNE , NY — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council responded positively today to Governor Pataki announcement that he is submitting a bill to the State Legislature to resolve the Akwesasne community’s land claim with the State of New York and to implement the terms of the negotiated agreement.

“We welcome the Governor’s decision to introduce a Mohawk land claim settlement bill,” said Chief James W. Ransom. He added “Its passage will resolve decades of litigation and remove the uncertainty over property title.”

The Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement is unique as it is the only settlement in the State that has all of the parties signature to it.  It represents a “win-win” agreement for the State and the Mohawks and has created a model for resolving land claims in New York .

The settlement came about as a result of the Mohawk leadership uniting to work together in seeking a beneficial solution to a major issue facing the Akwesasne community. It hinged on involving the Akwesasne community in the process and getting their support for it. The settlement is the result of cooperative efforts and the willingness on everyone’s part to resolve a 23-year-old land claim with the State.

Some of the benefits the Akwesasne community will receive from the settlement agreement include:

·  $100 million in monetary compensation to be paid over a specified period by the State and the New York Power Authority. The Power Authority will pay $2 million annually for 35 years and the State $30 million in five equal annual installments.

· 14,778 acres of land will be eventually returned to the Akwesasne Mohawks, with 13,463 to be purchased from willing sellers or voluntary transfers. A 215-acre parcel known as Massena Point and two islands, Long Sault and Croil, will transfer upon the effective date of the settlement.

·  Mohawks enrolled at Akwesasne, who qualify for admission to a campus at the State University of New York, will not be required to pay tuition to attend such institutions.

·  Protections of aboriginal rights to hunt, fish, trap and gather beyond our territory.

·  Right to enact and enforce our own building and environmental codes.

·  9 megawatts of low-cost power from NYPA for as long as the Power Authority Project exists.

·   Dismissal of foreclosure actions against Mohawks in the land claims areas.

·  And, right to bring forward a future claims should federal or state law change favorably.

The settlement now requires the ratification of the New York State Legislature and U.S. Congress before it becomes effective.  The Akwesasne Mohawks continue working together in obtaining all the necessary state and federal approvals.

“It’s a fair settlement for all the parties and represents endless opportunities for the Akwesasne community,” noted Chief Ransom. “We now ask the Legislature to ratify the legislation and bring finality to our land claims before they adjourn later this month.”