A bill to authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes.
Term Dictionary
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- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
- Ratifies a settlement ending three 1980s lawsuits over Akwesasne Mohawk land in northern New York and locks in tribal jurisdiction over disputed areas.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, local counties resolving 40 years of legal uncertainty.
- Loses: no one materially; all six parties already negotiated and signed the deal.
What it does
- Ratifies the Settlement Agreement signed by the tribe, New York, Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties, two towns, and the New York Power Authority.
- Dismisses three federal lawsuits filed in 1982 and 1989 over disputed land transfers.
- Designates tribe-owned land in Settlement Acquisition Areas as Indian Country under 18 U.S. Code 1151(a).
- Extends Indian Country status to any future land the tribe buys in those areas.
Why should I care?
Supporters say the deal finally resolves a 40-year court fight and gives the Akwesasne Mohawk clear governing authority over their land. Critics of similar settlements argue Congressional ratification can override local input on jurisdiction and taxation questions. The Akwesasne Nation straddles the US-Canada border, making this one of the most complex tribal land cases in the country. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.