?aq’am administration January 30 issued a community notice to band members about a United States travel advisory.

“We are sharing this travel advisory to help ensure everyone remains safe and informed when travelling across the Canada-U.S. border. Recent reports indicate increased scrutiny of Indigenous travellers by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA),” the notice states.

“There have been reports that Indigenous-specific documentation has not been consistently recognized by U.S. border officials. Because many of our members cross for family, cultural, and economic reasons, it is important to be aware of these developments.

“While the Jay Treaty affirms the right of Indigenous Peoples to freely cross the border, enforcement and interpretation of these rights may vary by border officer or agency. As a result, entry into the United States remains at the discretion of US authorities,” the notice says.

If you plan to travel to the United States, we strongly encourage the following:

• Carry all available identification, including status cards and passports;
• Carry any Indigenous or Band issued documentation that confirms membership and ancestry;
• Keep your phone charged and accessible and inform a family member or friend of your travel plans;
• Remain calm and respectful, and ask for clarification if a question is unclear.

“If you experience or witness concerning behaviour while entering the United States or returning to Canada, please report it to the Band Administration so we can support you and monitor emerging issues,” the notice advises.

Band members requiring assistance with identification applications and related fees including passports, status cards and driver’s licenses, please contact the band office [email protected]; 1-250-426-5717.

Lead image: The Eastport border crossing into Idaho, south of Yahk.  e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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