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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 *
