JASON SETNYK
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has issued a public statement reaffirming the mobility rights of the Akwesasronon, following recent concerns raised over border-crossing identification involving the Iroquois of St. Regis Indians and a reply from the Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC).
The new MCA release was issued in response to confusion triggered by Canada’s recent travel advisory, which suggested First Nations people carry a Canadian passport when entering the United States. The MCA emphasized that this guidance does not alter the long-standing legal basis for free movement across the border by Akwesasronon under the Jay Treaty and U.S. federal law.
“These rights predate the creation of the Canada and United States border and remain recognized,” the statement read, noting that Akwesasne families, services, and governance systems operate across an “imposed boundary” that has never reflected the reality of the community’s territory.
Akwesasne is uniquely positioned across Ontario, Quebec, and New York State, and this geographic reality is central to why mobility rights matter so deeply for the community.
MCA Grand Chief Leonard Lazore underscored Council’s commitment to defending these rights, stating, “Council will continue to stand behind our community and take every step necessary to ensure our people are supported, and our rights are respected.”
The statement comes after the Iroquois of St. Regis raised concerns that SIBC toll booth staff refused to recognize their identity cards, insisting instead on Indian Act documentation. Life Chief Curtis White described the practice as “identity discrimination.” In response, SIBC Director Marc Chénier said the corporation applies toll-exemption policies using “defined verification mechanisms” and does not determine Indigenous identity, governance, or sovereignty.
While acknowledging that border agencies may require documentation to establish Indigenous status, the MCA stressed that no travel advisory can override the inherent and treaty-recognized rights of Indigenous persons to move freely within their territory.
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