Border Concerns of Native Communities Addressed

At Akwesasne, many Mohawks face inspection from Customs officers on a daily basis, as they pass over the U.S./Canada border to go to work, attend school, visit family members, conduct business or shop. Akwesasne's strategic location rests partly in Quebec, partly in Ontario and partly in New York state, subjecting its residents to cross-border inspection regularly. Their passage through the U.S. Port of Entry nearest to them has become increasingly difficult and often delayed as security has tightened since 9/11.

The concerns of various officials from Indian country were expressed during the International Indigenous Cross-Border Security Summit on March 17 and 18. During the two-day event, the concerns of both Natives and non-Natives were heard in the same venue, and participants from all sides of the issues agreed that the summit was necessary and productive.

''This summit is an opportunity to share information between indigenous leaders and government authorities on border issues related to international crime, terrorism and identification cards,'' said Mohawk Council of Akwesasne District Chief Michael Mitchell before the summit. ''We welcome this opportunity to highlight our best efforts to battle organized crime and terrorism. The media seldom covers our efforts to deal with these issues and our struggle to advance our rights. This is a concern for indigenous people.''

The summit was held, in part, to address the growing need for Indian country leaders to meet face to face with government officials to discuss the growing issues of border security.

''It is important that the federal governments of Canada and the United States consult with the leaders of indigenous nations on the national homeland security strategies and programmatic initiatives and all related topics,'' said Joe Garcia, president of the National Congress of American Indians. ''We as indigenous leaders must be engaged in this dialogue and communicate our concerns and recommendations on these matters.''

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