Jay Treaty Border Alliance responds to federal travel advisory

The Jay Treaty Border Alliance (JTBA) says it is disappointed with Canada’s recent travel advisory recommending that Indigenous peoples crossing into the United States carry a Canadian passport in addition to a status card.

In a statement issued Feb. 24, the alliance said Indigenous individuals have an inherent right to cross the Canada-U.S. border using identification that affirms their First Nation identity.

The group said advising the use of Canadian passports undermines that right and conflicts with the principle of First Nations self-determination.

Formed in 2017, the alliance aims to advocate for Indigenous communities divided by the Canada-U.S. border.

The alliance says it has worked with Canadian officials and border agencies to clarify acceptable documentation for travellers.

The organization is also calling on Canada to affirm what it describes as the right of American-born First Nations people to enter Canada, saying the border has imposed lasting divisions on families and communities.

The alliance said it continues to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency to improve border-crossing processes for First Nations citizens.

Co-chairs include Chief Michael Conners of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Chairwoman Jennifer Porter of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict of the Chiefs of Ontario, and Grand Chief Cody Diabo of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.