First Nations people warned by Ottawa to carry a valid passport when travelling crossing Canada-U.S. border

Canada has updated its official travel advice to First Nations people and Native Americans born in Canada, warning them to take extra precautions when travelling to the U.S.

While an Indigenous person may have previously crossed the Canada-U.S. border with only a secure status card, a valid passport is now advised. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) notes when it comes to crossing the border by land that acceptance of status cards is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials. ISC also warns that status cards are not valid documents for air travel.

The Assembly of First Nations, the national organization representing the majority of First Nations in Canada, issued a strongly worded advisory in late January amid the ongoing tensions in Minneapolis and other cities in the U.S.

“The Assembly of First Nations has heard reports that some First Nation citizens have been subjected to increased questioning and detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” according to a statement from the Assembly of First Nations. “The AFN strongly condemns these actions and reaffirms First Nations inherent and Treaty rights to cross-border mobility.”

The AFN, like ISC, is now recommending First Nations members carry a Canadian passport.

“Please note that the federal law enforcement may not be familiar with Tribal IDs,” the AFN said.

Meanwhile, several First Nations have issued their own advisories.

Alberta’s Blood Tribe Chief and Council has urged members to use caution when crossing the U.S. border, citing recent incidents in which Indigenous people were stopped or detained by American authorities.

The Mississauga First Nation in Ontario, which is about 90 miles from the border at Sault St. Marie, Michigan, has issued a travel advisory to its members, citing “ongoing actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involving the detention of First Nation and Indigenous peoples, including individuals who are legally entitled to be in the United States.”

In late January, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located across the St. Clair River from Port Huron, Michigan, also issued a warning to its members.

Another recommended document is a “border crossing letter,” which is issued by a First Nation and indicates that a traveller is a member and has more than 50 per cent Native American blood quantum, and that they are exercising their rights under the Jay Treaty.

That treaty was signed in 1794 between the U.S. and Great Britain to ensure peace between the two countries and foster trade and commerce. The treaty also ensured that First Nations people would be allowed to travel, trade and work in both countries.

Tribal and First Nations officials on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border have issued statements advising people to make sure their status cards are up-to-date, and to have other identity documents ready for ICE encounters, according to indiginews.com. Nations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota have recently hosted identity document clinics.

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is reminding Indigenous people of their right to remain silent during encounters with law enforcement and urging them to stay calm, tell the truth, and not be seen to obstruct or resist ICE agents. If targeted, however, NARF recommends people state they do not consent to being searched, and to ask agents if they are being detained or free to leave.

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