Eight Accused of Trespassing, "Intentionally Damaging" Property on Barnhart Island

BARNHART ISLAND – Eight Akwesasne community members have been arrested by state police for trespassing and “intentionally damaging” unspecified property.

On Tuesday, May 21 around 7 p.m., state police say they responded to Barnhart Island after receiving a criminal mischief complaint.

Troopers, identifying the eight as members of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, say the group trespassed and “intentionally damaged” New York Power Authority property. In response to a reporter’s question about the nature of the alleged property damage, State Police Troop B Public Information Office Brandi Ashley said that information was not available to her.

In a joint statement, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs say they want the community to remain patient while land claims cases play out.

The three tribal councils released their statement on Wednesday, May 22. It says the entities wan to “address the recent actions of a small group of individuals who have erected signs suggesting a reclamation of Mohawk land on Barnhart Island.”

A quote in the statement attributed to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council says, “We understand the feelings of some tribal members that we own Barnhart Island since it is part of our historic homelands. However, we do not feel this action is productive or helpful and can set back our progress in the land claim settlement, which is nearing a positive resolution and could bring over 14,000 acres of Mohawk homelands to the community.”

The chiefs’ statement notes that Barnhart Island is “historically Mohawk land [that] has not been under Akwesasne’s 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 longstanding land rights issues. The proposed agreement would recognize rights of access by Akwesasne community members to Barnhart Island,” the statement reads.

It goes on to say tribal leaders “understand the historical land grievances that led to this action,” however, “the Mohawk Councils do not support or condone these actions.”

The chiefs are urging the community to be patient while the land claim settlement process plays out. They describe that as “crucial for our community's long-term benefit and sustainability. Through legal and collaborative efforts, we strive to assert our rightful jurisdiction, recover land title, and protect our heritage while maintaining peaceful and positive relationships with our neighbors,” the chiefs said. “The three Councils remain supportive of the ongoing land claim settlement process with New York State and believe this legal process is the most effective way to regain land and ensure it benefits the entire Akwesasne community.”

Of the three Mohawk clans, representatives for the Wolf Clan, the Bear Clan, along with Ganienkeh have voiced opposition to the land claims. The Turtle Clan continues to meet.

According to Kanerahtiio, he raised a “non-negotiable notice” on Barnhardt Island earlier in the day. He stated he had no part in the decisions and actions of the second party and what the NYS police call, “intentionally damaging” property.

In a statement released by Kanerahtiio, “The notice not only educates the public about the islands indigenous history but also serves as a symbol of the Onkwehonwe’ enduring connection to the land”

Those arrested on Tuesday are:

Larry V. Thompson, 69, charged with a felony count of second-degree criminal mischief, trespass, which is a violation, and fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor.

Kimberly A. Terrance, 41, charged with trespass and fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor.

Marina Johnson-Zafiris, 25, charged with trespass and fifth-degree conspiracy.

Isaac N. White, 42, charged with trespass and fifth-degree conspiracy. White is a reporter for Indian Time.

Gabriel J. Oakes, 58, charged with trespass and conspiracy fifth-degree conspiracy.

Dana L. Thompson, 67, charged with trespass and fifth-degree conspiracy.

Brent Maracle, 48, charged with trespass and fifth-degree conspiracy.

Donald Delormier, 35, of Hogansburg, charged with trespass, fifth-degree conspiracy, and resisting arrest.

Thompson was arraigned in Massena Town Court and released. The other seven were released from police custody with appearance tickets for Massena Town Court on a later date.

This is a developing story.