Oldal 287 [287]
JAY TREATY: INDIGENOUS RIGHTS OF FREE CROSS-BORDER PASSAGE...
Misinformation is widespread and alarming as it can lead to incidents such
as the one in 2003 when US Armed Forces came to Canadian reserves to
recruit First Nations falsely assuming they were “dual citizens” and could
be thus enlisted to fight in US wars in the Middle East.”! Similar incidents
only highlight the urgency to facilitate proper training for border patrol
officers. A few initiatives have already been taken that can serve as examples
for other similar future actions. At the border crossing in Cornwall in the
Akwesasne nation where its residents cross daily, border patrol officers now
undergo cultural awareness training and are educated about the Akwesasne
nation. Moreover, an Indigenous liaison officer is employed to facilitate
communication with the Akwesasne residents.” Similarly, The Ktunaxa
Nation Council in British Columbia provides cultural training for border
agents especially regarding the handling of sacred objects. During special
ceremonies, border agents are cautioned and prepared to speed the crossings
of Ktunaxa citizens.” In his report, Fred Caron also proposes that more
informal meetings between First Nations and patrol officers are arranged to
increase awareness and education of border agents. He also urges for increased
hiring of First Nations as border agents and proposes other viable solutions
such as separate lanes for Indigenous travelers at border crossings.”
Fred Caron’s report is the result of the commitment of the Government
of Canada made in 2016 “to gain a better understanding of the unique
perspectives of First Nations in border communities and to explore possible
solutions to the challenges that they face” Caron admits that while First
Nation representatives were willing to offer their perspectives and viable
thought-out solutions they were skeptical about the report’s utility and
effectiveness in implementing the proposed solutions. Three years have
passed since the report’s release and the border-crossing challenges faced by
First Nations are yet to be addressed. In the meantime, Indigenous peoples
continue to strengthen ties with their relatives across the border.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
---, Boundary, Merriam Webster Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.
com/dictionary/boundary (accessed 4 April 2020).
71 Ibid., 375.
7? Dyck — Patterson, Border Crossing Issues, 10.
73 Starks — McCormack - Cornell, Native Nations, 9.
Caron, Report, n.p.n.
Ibid., n.p.n.
+ 285 *