Temporary Measures to Reunite Families Across the Canada–US border

OTTAWA – Colonial borders have had profound impacts on Indigenous Peoples. They have put stress on families, kinship, cultural ties, traditional practices, language preservation and revitalization, governance, and economic opportunities. For some communities – Akwesasne included, are separated by the Canada–United States border, these impacts are felt on a daily basis.

To address these challenges and to further advance reconciliation, as a first step, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced temporary measures to help Indigenous people in the United States reunite with their families in Canada and reconnect them with their traditional territories. These measures will allow eligible Indigenous people whose family members live in Canada to:

work or study in Canada with some requirements waived

extend their stay for up to three years (for those who are already in Canada)

These temporary measures were implemented to relieve hardship on families while the federal government continues to work toward long-term solutions to address Indigenous border mobility challenges. This work is part of efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in Canada.

Indigenous people eligible for these measures can apply as of October 10, 2024. Applicants must apply in advance before they travel to Canada. Those who are already in Canada can also apply from inside Canada. Applications can't be made at the border (port of entry). Please visit the dedicated web page for details on how the measures work, who is eligible for them and how to apply.

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and Canadian co-chair of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance said, "The announcement made today is another significant step in the right direction. The international border between Canada and the United States continues to separate our families and create hardship for First Nations in many parts of Turtle Island. We will continue to advance our partnership with Canada and advocate for additional reforms that support uniting our people."

The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated, "First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have long called upon Canada to recognize Indigenous people's mobility rights across our international borders. Through ongoing consultation and collaboration, Indigenous partners have highlighted how these borders affect their families and communities, limiting connections across their traditional territories. These new measures help us respond more quickly to the urgent needs of families separated by borders, while continuing the work to strengthen and expand Indigenous mobility rights."

Chief Michael Conners of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and United States co-chair of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance said, "The United States–Canada border directly bisects our community, resulting in our members living on both sides of the border and crossing daily to see family, go to work, participate in sports and traditional ceremonies, and much more. After working with the Government of Canada for over two years, we are excited to see the government's roll out of interim measures that get us one step closer to accomplishing our shared goal of uniting our Mohawk families divided by the US–Canada border. These measures will eliminate some of the barriers our members face while we continue to work on a long-term, permanent solution."

The UN Declaration is an international human rights instrument that sets minimum standards to protect the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) came into force on June 21, 2021, providing a framework for upholding the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and moving forward with reconciliation in a transformational and action-oriented way.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency held roundtables and discussions with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations from October 2023 to February 2024 to address Indigenous mobility issues through legislative reform. Key takeaways are available in an online report, and any updates will be shared publicly.