St. Regis Mohawk Tribe: News & Resources

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Kentenhhko:wa / November 5 , 2005

For information contact:
Public Information Office
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 236
Fax: (518) 358-9675

TRIBAL COUNCIL AND ATTTB NEGOTIATE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING
Tribe Seeks Public Comment on Cooperative Agreement

AKWESASNE , NY — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has announced that it is proposing to enter into of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau (ATTTB). The draft agreement is the result of government-to-government dialogue and helps protect hundreds of jobs at cigarette manufacturing facilities in Akwesasne.

The ATTTB understands the unique relationship that exists between the federal and tribal governments. As a result, the federal agency contacted the Tribal Council and requested their cooperation in developing a joint agreement. Several meetings were held and community comments were requested earlier this year.

In the MOU, which has yet to be signed, the ATTTB recognizes the Tribe’s jurisdiction to regulate the tobacco industry within the territory. The ATTTB is responsible for regulating the importation and exportation of tobacco products that leave Akwesasne.

The ATTTB recognizes that the Tribal Council has implemented a Tobacco Ordinance, dated July 9, 2004, to regulate the tobacco industry in Akwesasne. In doing so, it requires tribal members to be in compliance with both the tribal ordinance and federal laws.

An on-site inspection of a cigarette manufacturing facility in Akwesasne is a requirement of the federal application process. In granting permission for inspection, Tribal Council will provide ATTTB representatives with limited access to the territory for the purpose of inspecting the cigarette manufacturing facility. In addition, federal inspectors will need to be accompanied by an officer from the Tribe’s Compliance Department at all times.

The Tribal Council is providing a two-week period for community members to submit comments regarding the Memorandum of Understanding. A copy of the agreement is available at the Tribe’s Community Building .

Comments are welcomed and can be submitted to the Tribe’s Compliance Department until November 18, 2005 .








		PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: Kentenhhko:wa / November 5 , 2005 For information contact: Public Information Office St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 236 Fax: (518) 358-9675 TRIBAL COUNCIL AND ATTTB NEGOTIATE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING Tribe Seeks Public Comment on Cooperative Agreement AKWESASNE , NY — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has announced that it is proposing to enter into of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau (ATTTB). The draft agreement is the result of government-to-government dialogue and helps protect hundreds of jobs at cigarette manufacturing facilities in Akwesasne. The ATTTB understands the unique relationship that exists between the federal and tribal governments. As a result, the federal agency contacted the Tribal Council and requested their cooperation in developing a joint agreement. Several meetings were held and community comments were requested earlier this year. In the MOU, which has yet to be signed, the ATTTB recognizes the Tribe’s jurisdiction to regulate the tobacco industry within the territory. The ATTTB is responsible for regulating the importation and exportation of tobacco products that leave Akwesasne. The ATTTB recognizes that the Tribal Council has implemented a Tobacco Ordinance, dated July 9, 2004, to regulate the tobacco industry in Akwesasne. In doing so, it requires tribal members to be in compliance with both the tribal ordinance and federal laws. An on-site inspection of a cigarette manufacturing facility in Akwesasne is a requirement of the federal application process. In granting permission for inspection, Tribal Council will provide ATTTB representatives with limited access to the territory for the purpose of inspecting the cigarette manufacturing facility. In addition, federal inspectors will need to be accompanied by an officer from the Tribe’s Compliance Department at all times. The Tribal Council is providing a two-week period for community members to submit comments regarding the Memorandum of Understanding. A copy of the agreement is available at the Tribe’s Community Building . Comments are welcomed and can be submitted to the Tribe’s Compliance Department until November 18, 2005 . -30- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.