The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York is defending its land claim with the support of the Department of Justice.

The tribe sued the state over 12,000 acres of stolen land. A federal magistrate recommended that the case go forward with a 2,000-acre area known as the Hogansburg Triangle.

In briefs submitted last Friday, the tribe and DOJ support the recommendation. But they also say the tribe has a strong claim to the remaining acreage.

“The Department of Justice attorneys and the Department of Interior met with tribal leadership recently and listened to our concerns. They responded with the filing of a strong brief that supports the tribe’s efforts and their own interests," Chief Randy Hart said in a press release.

Despite pursuing the case in court, Hart and other tribal leaders remain hopeful for a settlement with the state and other affected parties. "We, and I’m sure the counties and towns, have spent a great deal of money litigating these claims, and it is time to come together and resolve the matter among those most affected, the Mohawks and our neighbors and partners," Chief Ron LaFrance said.

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