[IPSM] First Nations exempt from Homeland Security border requirements

[willowtree at mts.net]

Some interesting News, but let's see how far it goes...


http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=39605


*First Nations exempt from Homeland Security border requirements*

Recently, Associate Port Director Patrick Wilson at U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection outlined a process whereby U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection “will not require those persons who fall under the Jay Treaty 
exceptions to present a WHTI compliant document on or after June 1, 2008 
until such time as an alternative document is approved and issued.”

Local Chiefs Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation and Chief Lyle 
Sayers of Garden River First Nation are elated at the announcement from 
the United States Homeland Security and WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel 
Initiative).

First Nations members, including members of Batchewana and Garden River, 
will continue to exercise their right to travel freely across the 
imposed border between Canada and the United States as they are in the 
habit of doing.

Local chiefs advise their members that their existing status cards 
(laminated or secure card) documents will suffice until further notice 
has been corresponded.

Batchewana and Garden River First Nations are working diligently to have 
our own citizenship card approved in regard to Homeland Security and 
WHTI requirements.

Please contact your local First Nation for any updates on future 
requirements that may be negotiated between the United States and First 
Nations governments.