AKWESASNE — (Kenténha/October 1, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has learned of a video circulating on social media in which Jason Ellis, owner of Ellis Automotive in Malone, NY, and District 21 congressional candidate Anthony Constantino appear to discuss border policy with other state officials present. In the video, the pair inaccurately portray Akwesasne and our people, ultimately minimizing our strong cultural ties, community programs, and economic opportunities that contribute to our thriving community. They also fail to mention the current public safety measures related to the border undertaken by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, or the broad network of provincial, state, and federal partnerships in place with the shared mission of keeping our community safe.
We have historically worked to be good neighbors to the surrounding towns and municipalities by contributing charitable donations, patronizing local businesses, and lending our emergency response forces in the heat of tragic events. In 2014, an economic leakage study reported that Akwesasne spent approximately $73.3 million each year outside our community, contributing directly to our neighboring townships. The lack of regard for our contributions and the mischaracterization of our community is unacceptable.
We expect more from our neighbors and the businesses our people patronize, and we expect more from a District 21 Congressional candidate, who must hold a higher standard of support for all constituents within the elected area, especially those in Franklin County. Representation from District 21 has an opportunity to reinforce strong partnerships developed over the years. Tribal Council remains optimistic these relationships will continue, but they must be built on mutual respect and partnership.
We, as Tribal Council, are disappointed in this disparaging content and the negative effect it has had on our community and the people of Akwesasne.
On behalf of the community, we demand a formal public apology for these damaging statements and support our community's decision to no longer patronize this business.