Ottawa, unceded Algonquin traditional territory-Colonial borders have had profound impacts on Indigenous Peoples. They have put stress on families, kinship, cultural ties, traditional practices, language preservation and revitalization, governance, and economic opportunities. For some communities separated by the Canada-United States border, these impacts are felt on a daily basis.
To address these challenges and to further advance reconciliation, as a first step, today the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced temporary measures to help Indigenous people in the United States reunite with their families in Canada and reconnect them with their traditional territories. These measures will allow eligible Indigenous people whose family members live in Canada to:
- work or study in Canada with some requirements waived
- extend their stay for up to three years (for those who are already in Canada)
These temporary measures were implemented to relieve hardship on families while the federal government continues to work toward long-term solutions to address Indigenous border mobility challenges. This work is part of efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in Canada.
Indigenous people eligible for these measures can apply as of October 10, 2024. Applicants must apply in advance before they travel to Canada. Those who are already in Canada can also apply from inside Canada. Applications can't be made at the border (port of entry). Please visit our dedicated web page for details on how the measures work, who is eligible for them and how to apply.
