A MESSAGE FROM THE CBSA TO MEMBERS OF THE AKWESASNE COMMUNITY
Recent announcements regarding border crossing restrictions made by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States may have raised many concerns and questions amongst members of the Akwasasne community.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to reassure Akwesasne community members that we respect the unique mobility needs of Indigenous People in Canada and we will continue to facilitate border crossing into Canada for Indigenous travellers. We also wish to reassure you that travel between Saint Regis, Snye and Cornwall Island and the north shore of the St. Lawrence River will not be impeded.
The CBSA would also like to remind members of the Akwesasne community that proper identification is still required to enter Canada. We kindly ask that all Akwesasne community members present approved Canadian ID when entering Canada in order to be eligible for the Indigenous community travel exemption. Acceptable ID during this period includes birth certificates, passports, and Secure Certificates of Indian Status (issued by Indigenous Services Canada).
We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous people continue to be able to move within and between their communities, and are able to provide and access essential goods and services, including emergency services.