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June 2009 Important Update for First Nations on Border Crossing Requirements for June 1, 2009Update on the New Secure Certificate of Indian Status As part of our ongoing efforts to support First Nations, the AFN has been engaged in discussions with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) regarding the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS). In an effort to combat terrorism, the United States implemented the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and on June 1, 2009, WHTI-approved documents will be required to cross the border into the U.S. INAC has been working to get the SCIS approved as a WHTI-approved document. We wrote the Department of Homeland Security expressing our concern about the lengthy process and our concerns about the June 1, 2009 deadline. Despite the June 1st deadline for all Canadian and US citizens to obtain passports, First Nations citizens traveling to the U.S. by land and water will still be able to use their status cards as approved identification at border crossings. However, this is only a temporary measure – approved by both Canada and U.S. Homeland Security – until INAC rolls out the new secure Indian Status ID cards later this year. Passports are still required for air travel. In addition to reviewing the SCIS initiative, the AFN will be examining other options for border crossing. For instance, some First Nations are developing their own border-crossing travel document in collaboration with DHS. The AFN will also seek input from First Nations on the SCIS initiative and other options for border-crossing. In the meantime, First Nations should also examine the SCIS initiative to ensure that rights specific to their community are protected. |
