Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Temporary Measures to Reunite Families Across the Canada–US Border
October 10, 2024—Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Traditional Territory
The colonial borders drawn between Canada and the United States have long imposed profound challenges on Indigenous Peoples. These artificial boundaries have caused significant stress on family connections, cultural ties, traditional practices, language preservation, governance, and economic opportunities. For many Indigenous communities divided by the Canada–US border, these impacts are a daily reality.
Government Initiative to Address Indigenous Border Challenges
In a bid to alleviate these burdens and advance reconciliation, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a set of temporary measures designed to help Indigenous people in the United States reunite with their family members in Canada. These measures aim to reconnect individuals with their traditional territories:
- Work or Study Opportunities: Eligible Indigenous individuals whose families reside in Canada will be able to work or study in the country, with certain requirements waived to facilitate their transition.
- Extended Stay: Those already present in Canada can extend their stay for up to three years, providing them with stability as longer-term solutions are explored.
A Step Towards Reconciliation
These temporary measures represent an initial step in a broader commitment by the federal government to address mobility challenges faced by Indigenous peoples at the border. This initiative aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), emphasizing the importance of fostering family and cultural connections.
Application Process
Eligible Indigenous individuals can begin applying for these measures as of October 10, 2024. Key application details include:
- Advance Application Required: Interested applicants must apply before entering Canada. It is important to note that applications cannot be submitted at the border or port of entry.
- In-Country Applications: Those currently in Canada are permitted to apply from within the country.
For further information on the eligibility criteria and detailed application procedures, individuals are encouraged to visit the dedicated web page provided by the government.
Looking Ahead
While these temporary measures offer immediate relief to many families, they are part of a larger, ongoing dialogue aimed at creating sustainable, long-term solutions to Indigenous border mobility issues. The Canadian government remains committed to working alongside Indigenous communities to honor cultural ties and support family reunification, recognizing the critical role these efforts play in the broader reconciliation process.
In time, it is hoped that these efforts will pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful approach to the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples living on both sides of the Canada–US border.
