AKWESASNE – (Onerahtó:kowa/May 21, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council participated in the 2nd Annual State-Senate Native American Relations Committee Roundtable with Committee Chairman Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. facilitating, in Albany, NY on May 19th.The Tribal Council discussed issues impacting Akwesasne with State Senators Daniel G. Stec, Nathalia Fernandez, Rachel May, James Skoufis, Jessica Ramos, and Joseph A. Griffo participating to hear the Tribe’s concerns, in an effort to reach impactful and lasting solutions. The Tribal Council addressed the critical funding needed for a new St. Regis Mohawk School, Tribal transportation, border security, Tribal Gaming licensing, Nation-to-Nation trading, and concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence, data centers, and the State’s initiative for nuclear project siting.
“The conditions of the St. Regis Mohawk School cannot wait any longer with the multitude of issues with the building, including threats and real flooding, inadequate HVAC, and small classroom sizes for Mohawk pupils to successfully learn in the best conditions possible,” urged Tribal Council.
Additionally, the Tribal Council once again asked for an annual contribution from the State to fund the Tribal Planning and Infrastructure Division to maintain roads under the responsibility of the State Department of Transportation. With regard to the growing concern of border security the Tribal Council advocated for a partnership with New York State to better protect the Border from emerging threats, and for Tribes to be specifically included in grant eligibility criteria to help improve the Tribal Police force’s border security operations, as well as assistance for Tribal emergency management.
To advance our local and neighboring economies, the Tribal Council informed the State that it plans to move forward with Nation-to-Nation trade agreements with our fellow Tribal nations, seeking the State recognize these agreements. “Our communities and economies are starved to reignite our trade routes to exchange goods that each nation is producing. These positive impacts are sure to trickle over to help our neighboring communities in the North Country,” shared Tribal Council.
The Tribal Council concluded its roundtable discussion with an introduction of the new Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry that shall function as an advisory body and consult with the Akwesasne community, research the potential economic and environmental impacts of industrial development and monitor growth of modern industrial facilities on or adjacent to Akwesasne.
“The Tribal Task Force is responsible for community consultation, and we look forward to its report, and of course meaningful government-to-government consultation for any energy or industrial project with potential to be sited adjacent to Akwesasne, and any impacts to our resources, ways of life, health, or our community at large.”
During the 2025-2026 State Legislative Session, a Senate bill (S2602) was introduced to establish a State Office of Native American Affairs. The bill unanimously passed in the Senate on May 18th, and it was delivered to the Assembly, it’s currently referred the Assembly’s Committee on Governmental Operations.
The Tribal Council looks forward to a standing State Office for Native American Affairs as it continues its advocacy for tribal initiatives and funding to enhance life for the People and Community of Akwesasne.
For more information, please visit the Tribe’s website: www.srmt-nsn.gov
