More advisories issued to Indigenous people travelling/living in United States

Grand Council Treaty 3 is the latest to issue an advisory to Indigenous people travelling or living in the United States.

The advisory is in response to the continued presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officers in Minnesota.

There have also been reports of some First Nation residents facing scrutiny and questioning from ICE agents.

In the advisory, Treaty 3 reminds them to carry valid identification, including a Status Card and/or a Canadian passport, which may help reduce the risk of unnecessary delays or detention.

“The Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation holds inherent and treaty-protected rights supporting cross-border mobility, rooted in longstanding treaty relationships that predate the international border. Grand Council Treaty #3 continues to affirm that these rights must be respected,” reads the advisory.

It says those needing new, renewed, or replacement Status Cards can contact their home First Nation membership office or their regional tribal council for assistance.

They can also contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

Regional tribal councils within Treaty #3 include Bimose Tribal Council (Kenora), Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council (Sioux Narrows), and Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services (Fort Frances).

Rainy River and Seine River First Nations issued similar advisories last week.