The Ktunaxa Nation has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to exercise caution when travelling to or through the United States, citing concerns about border enforcement practices and the treatment of Indigenous travellers.
In a statement released Friday (Feb. 6), the Ktunaxa Nation Council said it has received reports from Indigenous nations across Canada of increased scrutiny at U.S. border crossings.
Those reports include incidents of detention, prolonged delays, and inconsistent recognition of Indigenous-specific documentation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The council acknowledged the importance of cross-border travel for family, cultural, economic and personal reasons, but said enforcement and interpretation of Indigenous border-crossing rights — including those recognized under the Jay Treaty — can vary by officer or agency.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council is advising citizens to travel to the United States only if necessary and to exercise heightened caution while travelling.
Citizens are encouraged to share travel plans with family or friends, check in regularly, keep phones charged, and remain calm and respectful when interacting with border officials.
The council also recommends carrying proper identification at all times.
Citizens who are detained or delayed at the border are asked to contact their chief or a council member immediately.
The council said it will coordinate support with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, which has legal assistance available to Ktunaxanin̓tik travelling into or entering the United States.
The council also encouraged citizens to monitor the Government of Canada travel advisories and stay informed about current developments in the United States.
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