U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik announced her intention to seek congressional ratification of the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Agreement. The agreement aims to return thousands of acres of land to the Akwesasne Mohawks after a prolonged legal process.
“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.
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.
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 has represented New York’s 21st District in Congress since 2015, succeeding Bill Owens. She was born in Albany in 1984 and currently resides in Schuylerville. Stefanik is a graduate of Harvard University.
The settlement follows decades-long litigation involving several parties including tribal organizations, state entities, counties, towns, and agencies such as the New York Power Authority. More information about Stefanik’s bill can be found at https://stefanik.house.gov/2025/9/stefanik-will-seek-congressional-ratification-of-akwesasne-mohawk-land-claim.
