Blood Tribe Chief and Council is urging Blood Tribe members to use caution when crossing the border into the United States, notwithstanding our inherent rights and the promises of the Jay Treaty, during the current time of political unrest.
It has come to our attention that individuals have been stopped and even detained by US agents, including the enforcement agency known as ICE. Both the Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada have reported being aware that status cards have not been respected and individuals have been urged to check the Global Affairs website for information that is specific to Indigenous travelers.
Council is not able to provide legal advice on United States matters but it is our understanding that at the very least a Blood Tribe member should ensure that they are in possession of a copy of their birth certificate or other evidence that they were born in Canada, and evidence of their percentage of “American Indian Blood”. A Canadian federal Certificate of Indian Status has been reported as not being accepted as proof of blood degree and that proof must come directly from the person’s First Nation.
The Blood Tribe Membership Department is prepared to provide Blood Tribe Members who need to travel through the United States customs or reside in the United States with evidence of their membership with the Blood Tribe and blood quantum according to the Blood Tribe Membership Code. Please contact the Blood Tribe Membership office at: (403) 737-8111 or email [email protected] if you require assistance.
Blood Tribe Chief and Council advise Blood Tribe Members against travel into the United States during this period of unrest, unless they absolutely need to. If you do travel across the border then ensure that you have the necessary documentation and we encourage you to carry the following documents at all times: long form birth certificate, a passport (or other government issued identification if you do not have a passport) and a blood quantum letter from Blood Tribe Membership Department.
The Blood Tribe joins with other First Nations in protesting the disregard and lack of respect being given to the Jay Treaty, however, at this time we urge Blood Tribe members not to rely on the fact that we have a right to pass and repass the American border freely and to take all precautions to ensure that their identification is up to date and in their possession when travelling.
