Blood Tribe Issues Travel Advisory Following U.S. Border Incidents
The Blood Tribe, a First Nation in southern Alberta, has issued a formal advisory to its members regarding travel to the United States. This comes in response to multiple reports of band members being stopped and detained by U.S. border agents, including officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Reports of Detentions and Documentation Issues
According to a notice posted on the Blood Tribe's website by Chief and Council, several members have faced difficulties when attempting to cross the international border. The advisory specifically mentions that status cards have not been consistently respected by U.S. authorities, leading to disruptions and detentions.
Both the Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada have confirmed awareness of these incidents, highlighting a broader pattern affecting Indigenous travelers. The notice directs individuals to consult the Global Affairs Canada website for updated information tailored to Indigenous people crossing borders.
Official Travel Recommendations and Precautions
In light of these events, the Blood Tribe leadership strongly recommends that members avoid traveling to the United States "unless they absolutely need to" during this period of heightened border scrutiny. For those who must cross, carrying comprehensive documentation is emphasized as essential.
The advised documents include:
- A long-form birth certificate
- A valid passport or other government-issued photo identification
- A blood quantum letter from the Blood Tribe's membership department
At minimum, travelers should have proof of Canadian birth and evidence of their Indigenous ancestry percentage to facilitate smoother border processing.
Historical Context: The Jay Treaty and Border Rights
The Blood Tribe's statement references the Jay Treaty of 1794, an agreement between the United States and Great Britain that historically guaranteed free passage for First Nations peoples across the Canada-U.S. border. According to the Canadian government's website, this treaty allowed Indigenous individuals and their goods to move freely between the two countries.
However, the current advisory notes that despite this treaty right, members should not rely solely on it for border crossing. "We urge Blood Tribe members not to rely on the fact that we have a right to pass and repass the American border freely," the notice states, encouraging proactive measures to ensure proper identification is always available.
The Blood Tribe has joined other First Nations in protesting what they describe as a disregard for the Jay Treaty's provisions. This situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in exercising their cross-border rights amid evolving immigration enforcement practices.
