BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

AKWESASNE -- 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. 

State lawmakers passed legislation last year that authorized Hochul to sign the agreement, though Hochul did not take action on the agreement.

Once complete, the agreement will finalize land boundaries for the reservation, returning thousands of acres to the Tribe, officials said. 

"I have been deeply honored to lead the effort in Congress to secure this win and champion the ratification of this agreement through Congress. Now that we will have signatures from all parties, I will quickly move to expedite my bill to ratify this historic land agreement by congressional ratification," Stefanik said. 

The bill is expected to pass the House without issue, allowing it to proceed to the Senate where Senator Chuck Schumer will push the legislation to the floor for a vote. 

Once the bill has cleared Congress, President Donald Trump will then sign off on the legislation to finalize the agreement. 

Stefanik said the legislation is a "significant milestone for all involved." 

"This result is a significant milestone after 43 year litigation following tireless advocacy from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority," Stefanik said. 

The settlement is one that has been over 40-years in the making after Tribal members launched a lawsuit in Federal Court in the 1980's. 

Stefanik originally announced the legislation April 14, noting that all entities including the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority agreed to the deal that would return 3,500 acres to the Tribe, as well as allow for the opportunity to potentially regain an additional 14,000 acres.

The bill was met with enthusiasm by St. Lawrence County lawmakers who praised all involved for their work to bring the land claim to an end.

“St. Lawrence County is excited to learn that Congresswoman Stefanik will be presenting language to Congress that would provide a successful conclusion to more than forty years of litigation. The nature of this landmark occasion provides finality to more than two centuries of challenges for past generations of the North Country,” said St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair David Forsythe.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council also offered their gratitude to Stefanik in April for her efforts to bring the legislation to the floor as well. 

“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expresses its gratitude to Congresswoman Stefanik for introducing legislation to approve the Akwesasne Mohawks land claim settlement in New York. Our claim has spanned over four decades, and we look forward to seeing the hard work of many Akwesasne leaders finally come to fruition as the bill progresses through Congressional and Presidential approval. Getting our land back has been a goal of ours and our ancestors—we would not be here without the perseverance and courage from everyone who worked on the claim and negotiations since 1982,” said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.

The agreement was subject to review and approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of Interior, which championed the settlement in recent months.

"The litigation first began 42 years ago but we really saw the most progress in the last decade or so. I think that's a testament to all parties agreeing to move forward, to find some common ground while looking to the future so we all can be good neighbors to one another," St. Lawrence County Attorney Steve Button previously said.

As part of the agreement Tribal members will also receive free tuition and waiver of mandatory fees if they attend SUNY institutions.

The Tribe also has the right to acquire 9 megawatts of power from the New York Power Authority at a preferred rate, along with $70 million from NYPA over 35 years.

As part of the agreement, in settling with New York State as well, over 900 parcels will have a clear title after more than $21 million in back taxes, penalties and interest were waived.Tribal members will also have access to a portion of Barnhart for religious ceremonies, bow hunting, fishing and trapping, St. Lawrence County Attorney Steve Button previously said.

Regulations for such activities stem from the tribe but "must meet or exceed state regulations," according to the agreement.