H.R. 2916: 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.

This bill, known as H.R. 2916, is designed to address and resolve land claims made by the Akwesasne Mohawk community in New York. It includes several key provisions:

Agreement Confirmation

The bill seeks to authorize, ratify, and confirm an Agreement of Settlement and Compromise. This agreement involves various parties, including:

• The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
• The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
• The State of New York
• Counties of Franklin and Saint Lawrence in New York
• Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay in New York
• The New York Power Authority

Transfer of Land Rights

The bill allows for the transfer of land, rights-of-way, and easements that are part of claims involving the Mohawk Nation. Specifically, it mentions claims related to:

• Canadian Saint Regis Band of Mohawk Indians v. New York (82–CV–783)
• Canadian Saint Regis Band of Mohawk Indians v. New York (82–CV–1114)
• Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's claim against the State of New York (89–CV–829)

Indian Country Designation

The bill designates certain lands owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe as "Indian Country." This designation applies to:

• Land owned by the Tribe on the effective date of the Settlement Agreement within designated Settlement Acquisition Areas.
• Land acquired by the Tribe after the effective date of the Settlement Agreement within those areas.

The purpose of the bill is to provide legal recognition and resolution to the settlement agreement concerning the land claims, potentially leading to enhanced sovereignty and land rights for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.

Relevant Companies

None found