September 5, 2025
By Jeff Chudzinski
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is advancing legislation to finalize the Akwesasne land claim settlement at the federal level.
Stefanik, who is sponsoring the legislation in the House of Representatives, said ratification at the federal level will bring an end to more than 43 years of litigation that led to years of negotiations between multiple entities, including St. Lawrence County, the town and village of Massena, as well as Bombay, Fort Covington and Franklin County.
“After months of needless delay in signing the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement from the Governor, I am proud that years of efforts working with tribal, county, and local leaders have been successful to sign this agreement that returns thousands of acres of land back to the Akwesasne Mohawks,” Stefanik said.
Though Stefanik’s statement implies Hochul signed off on the deal recently, a necessary procedure before advancing legislation in Congress, Hochul’s office has not confirmed any such action has taken place. North Country This Week reached out for comment but has not received a reply as of press time.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is advancing legislation to finalize the Akwesasne land claim settlement at the federal level.
Stefanik, who is sponsoring the legislation in the House of Representatives, said ratification at the federal level will bring an end to more than 43 years of litigation that led to years of negotiations between multiple entities, including St. Lawrence County, the town and village of Massena, as well as Bombay, Fort Covington and Franklin County.
“After months of needless delay in signing the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement from the Governor, I am proud that years of efforts working with tribal, county, and local leaders have been successful to sign this agreement that returns thousands of acres of land back to the Akwesasne Mohawks,” Stefanik said.
Though Stefanik’s statement implies Hochul signed off on the deal recently, a necessary procedure before advancing legislation in Congress, Hochul’s office has not confirmed any such action has taken place. North Country This Week reached out for comment but has not received a reply as of press time.
Read more in the North Country Now HERE.
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