Town claims jurisdiction on business owned by Mohawk woman

Tuesday, January 11, 2011  

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York says the town of Fort Covington can't assert jurisdiction over a business owned by one of its members.

The tribe says the business sits on land that is part of the reservation. "The bigger issue is really, fundamentally, is it state land or is it Mohawk land? Are they trying to strong-arm and muscle the tribe into giving up jurisdiction?" attorney Lorraine M. White told The Watertown Daily Times.

White said the Twin Leaf Express, a convenience store and diner is in full compliance with tribal laws. But the town has cited the non-Indian manager for building and fire code violations and plans to cite owner Kimberly Terrance, a tribal member.

Get the Story:
Mohawk business facing code violations (The Watertown Daily Times 1/11)