Akwesasne 8 Dismissed: New York Power Authority Fails to Produce Documents

Akwesasne 8 DISMISSED. New York Power Authority fails to produce documents necessary to move forward.

Breaking News

By Akwesasne 8, Censored News, Nov. 12, 2024

The charges of Conspiracy to a Felony, and Trespassing against the six of the Akwesasne 8, who appeared today, were dismissed today at Massena Town Court. The District Attorney stated that New York Power Authority (NYPA) did not produce appropriate documents to move forward.

Researchers for the Akwesasne 8 had gone to the St. Lawrence County Office for Deeds and Records to find a Deed/Land Title showing NYPA ownership. There is no record. When discovery documents were offered to the Akwesasne 8, each asked whether the documents contained a Title to the land on which the Akwesasne 8 were arrested. The District Attorney implied such documents were not part of the discovery packets.

In March 2022, Federal Judge Kahn of the Northern New York District of US Federal Court, ruled that New York State possession of Mohawk land is a violation of the Nonintercourse Act which prohibits land transfer of Indian land to non-Indians without Congressional approval.

On May 22, 2024 eight Kanienke’háka were arrested for Trespassing at Niionenhiasekówahne (Barnhart Island). Seven of the eight were charged with Conspiracy to a Felony. One person was charged with a Felony.

There is a long history of Onkwehonwe relations to Niionenhiasekowá:ne (Barnhart Island) - from the Dish With One Spoon Agreement, to Onkwehonwe families living on the island, and continue today through Kanienke’háka assertion of hunting, fishing, tree tapping, and medicine gathering liberties.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement agreement seeks to sever Onkwehonwe relationship to Niionenhiasekowá:ne, formally ceding the island's title to New York State for $70 million and subjecting our hunting and gathering rights to foreign governments.

The Onkwehonwe that began construction at Niionenhiasekowá:ne acted in assertion of Kanienke’háka inherent and original rights as well as the pre-existing governance of Kaienerekowa.

“The Band Council, Tribe, state and federal governments are outside Kaienerekowa governance as younger governmental entities cannot and will not ostracize us from our lands and waters," said one of the Akwesasne 8.

“We are going back to Niionenhiasekowá:ne because it is Kanienke’háka land," a  group of the Akwesasne 8 stated.

The Peoples Voice

MEDIA RELEASE - Barnhart Encounter (05-22-24)

Yesterday (May 21st 2024) at 10:30 am, individuals went to Niionenhiasekowá:ne (Barnhart Island) to begin construction for a residence in a grass clearing on Beach Marina Rd. The three Kanien'kehá:ka men that were on site were unmolested for three hours until five state troopers, six NYPA security, and one St. Lawrence County Sheriff appeared. The encounter was described as amiable.

The troopers asked the purpose of their activities to which one man responded, “We are here to build housing for our community… This is Onkwehonwe land.”

The troopers, and Sheriff, then simply notified the men to be careful of specific lines, indicating where they were. The gas, water and electric lines were all far from where the men were scraping the dirt. No warning, notice or injunction was provided and the men continued their work.

Later, six additional Kanien'kehá:ka people came to the area, one of them with the press. Within 15 minutes of their arrival at 8:00 pm, approximately 35 personnel (including law enforcement, troopers, US Border Patrol, Homeland Security) armed with automatic rifles surrounded them at the site- issuing a brief warning stating that the individuals were trespassing and to move away from the premises. The individuals refused to move. The troopers proceeded to arrest all who were present, including a minor (who was later released).

One individual was charged with a felony and all were charged with trespassing violations and conspiracy misdemeanors. The court date appearance has been set for June 11th, 2024, 1:30 pm at Massena Town Court. The individuals encourage people to witness the hearing and attend in support.