AKWESASNE — (Ohiaríha/June11, 2025) On June 11, 2025, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Beverly Cook testified before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs in support of bill H.R. 2916. The proposed bill, introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik, would ratify and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York.
The testimony was live-streamed from the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. open for free public viewing (https://bit.ly/4kxMAIz).
The agreement would settle a longstanding dispute between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the State of New York, the New York Power Authority, and the Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties including towns within each county. Terms outlined in the settlement include land transfers, clarification on tribal jurisdiction in land claim areas, tax-free status of lands converted into Indian Country, free tuition and mandatory fees for Mohawk students, in addition to 9 megawatts of power at a reduced rate and $2 million a year for 35 years from the New York Power Authority.
Tribal Council shares, “The importance of today’s testimony would set in motion the bill to ratify the 42 year legal battle for the return of Mohawk lands unlawfully taken from our people. With affirming the responsibility of NYPA, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties and the benefit to our community, we look forward to Congress approving the legislation.”
Tribal Council will continue to update the community as the bill progresses through the House, Senate, and final approval. In the meantime, to stay current on all tribal news, please visit our website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.