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 would authorize and confirm a settlement agreement to resolve land claims by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in northern New York. The proposal would restore land rights to the tribe, provide tuition assistance for tribal members at certain postsecondary institutions, and require the New York Power Authority to make annual payments to the tribe. Additionally, the legislation would recognize land within specified settlement areas as Indian country and ratify various transfers of land, rights-of-way, and easements.

This bill directly affects the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne through the restoration of land rights and the provision of tuition assistance for tribal members. Government entities involved in the settlement include the State of New York, the New York Power Authority, Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties, and the towns of Fort Covington and Bombay. Additionally, the legislation impacts land ownership and jurisdictional status within specified settlement acquisition areas in northern New York.

• Ratification of the Akwesasne land claim settlement. The bill authorizes and confirms a settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the State of New York, local counties and towns, and the New York Power Authority.
• Restoration of land rights and access. The settlement restores land rights to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and provides tribal members with access to specific lands.
• Financial and educational benefits. The New York Power Authority is required to make annual payments to the tribe, and tribal members will receive tuition assistance for certain postsecondary institutions.
• Validation of land transfers and easements. The legislation ratifies any transfer of land, right-of-way, or easement involved in specified court cases related to the land claims.
• Designation of Indian country. Any land currently owned or later acquired by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within designated settlement acquisition areas is recognized as Indian country for purposes such as criminal jurisdiction.

The bill authorizes and ratifies a specific settlement agreement involving the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and various New York state and local entities to resolve long-standing land claims. It also clarifies the legal status of certain lands as 'Indian country' for the purposes of criminal jurisdiction and confirms property transfers related to specified court cases.

The bill aims to settle the Akwesasne land claim in northern New York by authorizing and ratifying a settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the State of New York, and various local government entities. The legislation seeks to restore land rights, provide tuition assistance for tribal members, and establish specific lands as Indian country for jurisdictional purposes.