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, numbered H.R. 2916, aims to authorize, ratify, and confirm an agreement intended to settle claims regarding land held by the Akwesasne Mohawk community in New York. Below are the key components of the bill:

Agreement Confirmation

The bill specifically confirms an Agreement of Settlement and Compromise that has been reached between various parties, including:

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

This agreement is in relation to claims that have been made about land ownership and rights in the region.

Land Transfers and Rights

The bill also addresses the transfer of certain land and rights related to previous legal claims, specifically referencing:

• The case of Canadian Saint Regis Band of Mohawk Indians v. New York et al.
• The case of Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council and the People of the Longhouse at Akwesasne, v. The State of New York, et al.

These cases involve claims concerning land, right-of-way, or easements that are acknowledged in the Settlement Agreement.

Status of Lands

The bill designates certain lands owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within specified settlement acquisition areas as Indian Country as per the relevant federal laws. This includes:

• Land owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe on the effective date of the Settlement Agreement.
• Land acquired by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe after the effective date of the Settlement Agreement.

Implications

The approval of this bill would legally endorse the terms of the settlement and ensure that the land in question is recognized as part of Indian Country. This may have implications for governance, resource management, and the rights of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within these lands.

Relevant Companies

• NYPA (New York Power Authority) - As a party to the settlement, its operations and jurisdiction in the area may be affected by the provisions of the bill.