Convenience store opens on disputed territory

FORT COVINGTON — On the outside, Twin Leaf Express doesn't look like anything special; old-fashioned gas pumps and a convenience store. On the inside, three framed tribal operating licenses belie the confusion behind Fort Covington's new gas station.

The business, which is owned by the Terrance family of Hogansburg, is technically on Mohawk land but the border has been disputed between the St. Regis Mohawk tribe and New York state for decades. The Terrances, however, say they aren't worried about the claim's impact on their business.

"I got the opportunity (to open the store) and it was like, 'Why not?'" said Kimberly Terrance, owner and manager of Twin Leaf. "I think everything will work out the way it's supposed to."

The store opened about a month ago and its shelves are stocked with food, candy, beer and tribal cigarettes, which are cheaper than brand-names because they are sold without the tax New York state adds on. Construction on the second half of the building is ongoing; the Twin Leaf Diner will open later this fall.

The support of the tribe and business from tribal members and Fort Covington residents is all Ms. Terrance says she needs to run her business.

"It's definitely in the land claims area, there's no doubt about that," said David T. Staddon, tribal director of public information. "The only thing that can diminish the boundaries of a reservation is an act of Congress. There had been no act of Congress that changes the boundaries."

Those boundaries date back to a 1796 treaty, though there are currently several areas of disputed territory in Massena, Fort Covington and Hogansburg itself, according to Lorraine M. White, an attorney working with the Terrance family on Twin Leaf Express. So far, Fort Covington officials have come forward to dispute the Terrance family's tribally-recognized business. Supervisor Patricia J. Manchester was not available for comment.

However, if the land claim is settled in the state's favor, Ms. Terrance says she'll deal with that when it comes.

"I don't really think about that. I think it's a big step for the community," she said. "There's a bigger picture with the business. We're supplying jobs."

Between the clerks at the store and the contractors at the diner, Twin Leaf Express currently employs between 20 and 30 people, said Ms. Terrance, who is studying business management at SUNY Potsdam.

The business, which does not yet sell gas, will have a grand opening Saturday, complete with free food and ice cream as well as games for children from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. By then, the pumps should also be full of tribally-discounted gasoline, Ms. Terrance said.

"Their objective was not to fight the land claim. Their objective was to open a successful business and that's their goal," Ms. White said. "To a degree, we're taking some lead from the tribe to conduct business within our territory. We're partners in this; Mohawks side by side with other Mohawks."