MCK Offers Supporting Documents for Kahnawa’kehró:non Crossing into U.S.

06/05/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that, despite agreements announced by both Canada (via INAC) and the United States (Department of Homeland Security), there has been at least one confirmed incident encountered by a community member having difficulty using their INAC status card when crossing the border into the U.S.

The situation is being immediately addressed by the MCK. The heads of the border crossings in the area are being contacted to remind them of the current understanding regarding the extension that has been agreed to.

In the meantime, the MCK will make available copies of a letter received yesterday from INAC (dated June 3, 2009) to community members who plan to travel by land to the United States. The letter, signed by INAC’s Director of Individual Affairs Ray Hatfield, refers to the recent announcements from the Department of Homeland Security that confirm that the current Indian Status cards are being accepted past the June 1 deadline. This may offer some support in a case where a border agent may claim to be unaware of the exemption/extension.

Copies of this letter are available at the main offices of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and online at www.kahnawake.com .