(October 10, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict welcomed the Government of Canada’s announcement of new temporary measures aimed at improving cross-border mobility for First Nations people separated from their families and traditional territories in Canada by the Canada-United States border. These measures allow eligible First Nations individuals to work or study in Canada with some requirements waived and to visit or stay for longer periods.
“The Jay Treaty of 1794 and Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both recognize the inherent right to cross-border mobility for First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Today’s announcement is a positive step toward improving the mobility of First Nations across the Canada-U.S. border, and I acknowledge the efforts of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance (JTBA), who have been instrumental in this progress. However, our rights are still not fully upheld, as seen in the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne, where its unique position across multiple borders has created significant barriers, including the requirement for passports and Enhanced Tribal Cards. These new measures are another step in the right direction.”
“Today’s announcement is a step toward honouring the historic and legal rights of First Nations peoples,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Mobility rights are essential to our ancestors and remain critical today. The ability for First Nations to move freely between the U.S. and Canada is not simply a matter of convenience, but a vital link to preserving the cultural, familial, economic, and social connections that have sustained our peoples for generations.”
“While we welcome Canada’s implementation of these temporary measures, we urge both Canada and the United States to fully recognize and implement the Treaty rights of First Nations as stipulated in the Jay Treaty,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We call on these governments to develop long-term solutions that ensure safe and easy border mobility for First Nations.”
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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. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
[email protected]
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)