This week, eight Saint Regis Mohawk tribal members were arrested by New York State Police and charged with trespassing and conspiracy for attempting to reclaim tribal land on Barnhart Island.
On the evening of May 21, 2024, New York State Police responded to Barnhart Island, New York State, on a criminal mischief complaint, police said. The property is currently owned by the New York State Power Authority and the group of tribal members did not have permission to be on the property, police said.
“An investigation revealed that a group of St. Regis Mohawk Tribe members entered the property and intentionally caused damage,” police said.
Photos and videos on Facebook show an excavator at the site, as well as a newly erected sign calling for “taking back lost land and human rights.”
In response to the event, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs issued a press release condemning the actions of their eight tribal members.
“We understand the feelings of some tribal members that we own Barnhart Island because it is part of our historic homeland,” the groups wrote. “However, we feel that this action is not productive or helpful and could hold back our progress in the land claims settlement, which is nearing a positive resolution and could bring more than 14,000 hectares of Mohawk homelands to the community.”
The council added that Barnhart Island was historically Mohawk land but has not been under Akwesasne possession since the 1820s “due to illegal takings.” The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs are currently engaged in a settlement process with New York State to address long-standing land rights issues, she added. The proposed agreement would recognize the right of access of members of the Akwesasne community to Barnhart Island.
About the Author: “Jenna Kunze is a reporter covering Indian health, environment and breaking news for Native News Online. She is also the lead reporter on stories about Indian boarding schools and repatriation. Her bylines have appeared in The Arctic Sounder, High Country News, Indian Country Today, Tribal Business News, Smithsonian Magazine, Elle and Anchorage Daily News are based in New York.
Contact: jkunze@indiancountrymedia.com
