MCA REAFFIRMS MOBILITY RIGHTS
In response to the recent confusion caused by Canada’s travel advisory, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is clarifying that Akwesasronon are not required to hold a Canadian passport to cross the border. While Canada’s recent travel advisory recommends that First Nations people carry a Canadian Passport when crossing into the United States, in addition to a Secure Certificate of Indian Status, such guidance does not alter the legal standing of our inherent and treaty-recognized rights.
These rights predate the creation of the Canada and United States border and remain recognized under Article III of the Jay Treaty and federal law, including Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1359). These protections have been upheld for generations and continue to carry legal effect today.
The MCA stands in solidarity with all leadership who protect our ability to move freely as Onkwehón:we . Our mobility across this territory does not depend on Canadian citizenship documentation but flows from who we are as a people and must be upheld.
Akwesasne is a community whose lands, families, and governance systems continue to function despite the imposed boundary that divides our territory. Akwesasronon cross that imaginary line daily to work, to access services, and to be with family. For those born on the northern portion of our territory, the right to enter, live, and work in the southern portion is longstanding and legally recognized. It is not discretionary.
MCA Grand Chief Leonard Lazore noted, “Council will continue to stand behind our community and take every step necessary to ensure our people are supported, and our rights are respected.”
While documentation establishing indigenous status may be required when interacting with border agencies, no travel advisory can override the rights of Akwesasronon to move freely within our territory. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne remains committed to supporting Akwesasronon in exercising their lawful rights and encourages community members who require verification of Indigenous identity for Jay Treaty purposes or have questions regarding cross-border travel to contact the MCA Mohawk Government Program or Akwesasne Rights and Research Office (ARRO).
The MCA will continue to defend and assert these rights for Akwesasronon. We remain committed to our people and to this responsibility.
Contact Us
Akwesasne — Land Where the Partridge Drums
Email: info@akwesasne.ca
Phone 613-575-2250
Fax: 613-575-2181
Address:
PO Box 90
Akwesasne, Quebec, H0M 1A0
101 Tewesateni Road
Akwesasne, Ontario, K6H 0G5