NYS Passes Bill Allowing Governor to Execute a Mohawk Land Claim Settlement

Jun 10, 2023

AKWESASNE — On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the New York State Legislature passed a Bill No. SB7566/AB 7759 that sets the stage for final settlement of the 40-year-old land claim of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT), Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs.

The Bill does not approve a final settlement, which has yet to be finalized, but gives Governor Hochul the authority to sign a settlement once it is finalized by the parties.

The Bill was introduced near the end of the NYS Legislative Session and passed on its very last days. SRMT was involved in reviewing the Bill. Although not perfect, in the end the Tribe is satisfied that it was intended to grant authority to the Governor only after the Tribe approves of and signs the settlement.

“This is one more step towards final settlement. We hope that we can get all parties to approve and have a settlement submitted for Federal approval by the end of this year.” Stated Tribal Chief Michael Conners.

“We have a few items that we need to iron out with some of the parties, but we expect to get those done very soon. This has been a very long journey that appears to be near an end.” Mentioned Tribal Chief Ronald LaFrance.

“We have worked very hard on this settlement, and as we have explained to our community members, there are a great many benefits from settling, primarily in increasing our land base.” Stated Tribal Chief Beverly Cook.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.