AKWESASNE – A referendum to accept a $240 million land claim deal between the Canadian government and Akwesasne has passed.
The unofficial results from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne show 1,749 were in favour of the deal while 448 were against.
Voting took place for two months online and one day of paper balloting on Saturday (Dec. 8).
There were 2,197 registered voters who cast ballots out of the 7,818 eligible, resulting in a referendum turnout of 28.1 per cent.
The First Nation had to get at least 25 per cent turnout under terms of the agreement.
The $240 million claim settles the Dundee area of the reserve and also allows the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to buy up to 18,000 acres of land to add to its reverse if it can find willing sellers.
The referendum still has to clear an appeal period.