(January 15, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today to discuss critical border issues, including security, mobility, and the importance of respecting First Nations’ inherent rights in cross-border relations, following President-Elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariff on Canadian goods.
“First Nations have long-standing international trade networks and rights that predate the Canada-U.S. border,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Today, in my discussions with the Prime Minister, I reminded him of the federal government’s obligations to uphold these rights and ensure First Nations are fully included in decisions that impact our Nations.”
“The Jay Treaty affirms the inherent right of First Nations to cross the border freely, and this must be upheld in all border matters that impact our communities. International trade, border security, and cross-border relations cannot move forward without the participation of First Nations,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Any agreements between the U.S. and Canada must reflect our rights, including the exemption from taxation and tariffs. When First Nations’ rights and sovereignty are upheld, Canada’s borders and security are strengthened.”
“We have seen success in previous agreements, like the inclusion of a General Exception in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, which allows Canada, the U.S., and Mexico to take measures necessary to fulfill their legal and constitutional obligations to First Nations Peoples,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Building on this requires the federal government to include First Nations in Canada’s international trade discussions and provide the resources needed for meaningful participation, including a seat at the table as part of ‘Team Canada.’ All trade negotiations must respect inherent and Treaty rights, as affirmed by the Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
Leaders from across Turtle Island also shared the importance of upholding First Nations’ rights and sovereignty, calling for meaningful partnership in cross-border and trade discussions and policies.
“The international border greatly impacts First Nations and this must be a key consideration in Canada and United States border discussions,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Community safety and security are equally important to First Nations. First Nations along the border have long advocated for the recognition of First Nations border mobility rights, such as those recognized in the Jay Treaty. Commerce and trade are traditional practices of First Nations, and both Canada and the U.S. need First Nations involvement to ensure that trade between the Nations is successful and mutually beneficial.”
“The ability for First Nations People to cross the US-Canada border freely is fundamental to respecting our inherent rights and the commitments made under the Jay Treaty,” said Chief Roy Whitney of Tsuut’ina Nation. “By honouring this Treaty, Canada can acknowledge our sovereignty and the deep kinship, cultural, trade, and economic connections between our Nations, as well as the movement of goods and services that have existed long before these borders were imposed.”
“The Blackfoot people have traveled extensively across our ancestral territory of Alberta and Montana for thousands of years. The 49th parallel only became an issue after the signing of Treaties,” concluded Chief Troy Knowlton of Piikani Nation. “Today, with our people still living on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. borders, establishing ports of entry staffed by our Nation members would not only allow for safer travel but also for meaningful commerce and trade that would vastly improve the lives of the Blackfoot people and future relations between our two countries. This issue has been driven by the Blackfoot confederacy and the Jay Treaty alliance in recent years.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
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