Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

Frequently Asked Questions

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
What does the MOU mean for us?
What are the steps to a final agreement?
Why are we settling? What happens if we don’t settle?
Why settle at all if we are winning in court?
Land Ownership / Title
Will tribal members living in the land claim areas who did not pay their property taxes over the past several years have to pay back taxes before the land is considered tribal land?
Will the non-natives living in the land claim areas have to pay taxes to the tribe?
Will the tribe take over the roads maintenance duties such as paving, repairs and plowing?
Is the tribe going to buy the land and then re-sell to enrolled tribal members?
What if people aren’t willing to sell their land, then what?
How do we know the sellers are not going to increase the price of the land?
Why is it that Indians don’t pay property taxes on the reservation and why does the settlement continue this practice?
Why can’t the Tribe buy land like everyone else without having to add it to the reservation?
Won’t the local governments be harmed if land is removed from the tax rolls?
How does Land in Trust differ from a negotiated settlement?
Power/NYPA Agreement
What is included in NYPA’s settlement?
Why are we not getting free power?
Education/SUNY Tuition
When can students expect to have SUNY tuition be waived?
Who is eligible for the tuition waiver?
What is included in the tuition waiver?
How will students apply for the waiver?
Why are the Mohawks entitled to a free education?