The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and New York Gov. George Pataki (R) on Tuesday signed what was called an "historic" settlement to the tribe's land claim.

The deal paves the way for the tribe's casino in the Catskills. The tribe is the furthest along in the process and Pataki needed the settlement to submit legislation increasing the number of casinos there from three to five.

The tribe will receive $100 million over 35 years, free tuition to state colleges, ownership of two islands under the deal and the right to add up to 13,400 acres to its reservation. The tribe has agreed to collect state taxes on goods sold to non-Indians at the Catskills casino.

Get the Story:
Pataki signs Indian pact; key hurdle for casinos (Ottaway News Service 2/2)
Pataki, tribe settle lawsuit (The Albany Times-Union 2/2)
Pataki, Mohawk tribal leaders sign agreement (AP 2/1)
GOVERNOR AND AKWESASNE MOHAWKS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC SETTLEMENT OF MOHAWK INDIAN LAND CLAIM (Gov Pataki 2/1)

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