While an Indigenous person may have previously crossed the Canada-U.S. border with only a secure status card, a valid passport is now advised. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) notes when it comes to crossing the border by land that acceptance of status cards is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials. ISC also warns that status cards are not valid documents for air travel. “The AFN strongly condemns these actions and reaffirms First Nations inherent and Treaty rights to cross-border mobility.”The AFN, like ISC, is now recommending First Nations members carry a Canadian passport. The treaty also ensured that First Nations people would be allowed to travel, trade and work in both countries.

Source: National Post February 20, 2026 19:02 UTC