Canada Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for First Nations Crossing U.S. Border
The Canadian government has updated its travel guidance, urging First Nations people to carry a valid passport when crossing into the United States. For years, many Indigenous Canadians have relied on their Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or status cards, to cross the border for work, study, or travel. But now, federal authorities stress that these cards may not be sufficient. U.S. border officials have full discretion to accept them and travellers are being warned that passports are the most reliable form of identification.
This advisory comes amid growing concern over encounters between Indigenous travellers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. There have been recent reports of status cards being confiscated or damaged and even instances of Indigenous people being detained in the United States. The government is encouraging anyone affected to seek emergency replacement status cards, highlighting the urgency and unpredictability of border crossings at this time.
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The shift in guidance has sparked debate among Indigenous leaders. Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Grand Chief Cody Diabo has called on Canada to recognize the Jay Treaty, which the U.S. respects. This treaty allows First Nations people born in Canada to enter the United States freely for employment, study, retirement, investment, or immigration. Diabo argues that Canada’s advisory undermines these established rights and imposes unnecessary restrictions on Indigenous travel.
Indigenous Services Canada notes that all new and renewed secure status cards now feature machine-readable fields, but these are not universally recognized. The federal advisory also reminds travellers that air travel still requires a valid passport, regardless of status card technology. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like the Assembly of First Nations are cautioning members to carry multiple forms of documentation, including familial lineage letters, birth certificates and government-issued IDs, to avoid complications at the border.
For Canadians planning to travel south, this advisory underscores a larger issue: the complexity and uncertainty of international travel for Indigenous communities. It also highlights the delicate balance between government regulation, treaty rights and personal safety. Travellers are being asked to prepare carefully, verify all documentation and remain aware of the potential risks.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this evolving situation and make sure you have the proper documents before attempting to cross the U.S. border. Keeping informed is the best way to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
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