Overview:
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has opened Akwesasne’s first free public boat launch, expanding community access to the Raquette River while providing a new river access point for first responders.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe celebrated the opening of the Dr. Solomon Tehonieion Cook Boat Launch on Sept. 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community reception.
Located at the end of Library Road, the new boat launch provides free public access to the Raquette River and includes a two-lane concrete ramp, an accessible walkway, floating dock, parking for vehicles and trailers, and a kayak and canoe launch.
The launch honors the late Dr. Solomon Tehonieion Cook, a former owner of the property who envisioned the land as a recreational space for the Akwesasne community.
The project was funded by the St. Lawrence Environment Trustee Council, a multi-agency partnership in which the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe serves as lead administrative trustee. The council administers a settlement fund established in 2013 to address natural resource damages from local hazardous waste sites while supporting environmental restoration and recreational opportunities.
“Access to the water is one of our most fundamental rights as Akwesasro,” said Tony David, the Tribe’s Environment Division director and an active member of the Trustee Council. “The creation of Akwesasne’s first free, public boat launch ensures all of us will have an access point to experience our most precious resource.”
The opening marked the culmination of more than a decade of planning and administrative work that began in 2013 and included environmental assessments, public comment periods and an archaeological findings presentation.
“We are thrilled to introduce this beautiful new space for community enjoyment, which also creates another vital river access point for our first responders, enhancing public safety,” the Tribal Council said.
The project is one of five boat launch projects made possible through the Trustee Council’s funding.
The Tribal Council and Executive Director’s Office thanked the St. Lawrence River Trustee Council, the Tribe’s Environment Division, Planning and Infrastructure staff and other Tribal departments and team members who helped bring the project to completion.
