Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Dear Editor,

RE: The 2 Islands in the St. Regis River below the Hogansburg Dam

I have been hearing rumors that there are plans to develop one or both of the islands in the St. Regis River that are located below the dam in Hogansburg. Before the shovels hit the ground I just wanted to inform those interested developers that those islands were purchased by my father, John Cook when I was a child. He registered them with the Tribal Council as “Brenda’s Islands” and they have been in the family since then. In the near future, the title for possession of the two islands will pass to my two children.

For now, I prefer to keep these islands as ‘forever wild’ so the natural flora and the wildlife can enjoy peace here. My children may decide to do something different but for now I would appreciate keeping it “undeveloped”. I hope this discourages anyone from trying to develop these islands for recreation or other things. Thanks from the plants, trees and animals who are living there.

Tsioniaeon (Brenda LaFrance)