Formerly named the Northern Tribal Border Alliance, the Jay Treaty Border Alliance (JTBA) was formed in 2017 by tribal governments and First Nations communities working together to protect and advance the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to freely cross the U.S.–Canada border as recognized under Article III of the 1794 Jay Treaty. 

 

Our purpose is to ensure that the original peoples of this land can continue to cross, trade, visit, and protect their homelands as our ancestors have done since time immemorial. Since our founding, we have built bridges between communities, Tribal governments, and federal agencies on both sides of the border.  Our members collaborate to:​

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• Improve the border-crossing experience for Tribal citizens and families.

• Build practical, respectful relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

• Strengthen coordination between governments to address public safety and security concerns in ways that reflect Tribal sovereignty and partnership.

• Advocate for policies that recognize American Indians not as outsiders or immigrants, but as stewards and protectors of our own homelands.

• Advocate for policies that honor our treaty rights, cultural ties, and self-determination.

• Address jurisdictional challenges that arise from a border that divides our people, our territories, and our economies.​​

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The border may divide the map, but it cannot divide our responsibilities to our people, our lands, and the generations that follow. Our communities have long been among the first to step forward in defense of North America. American Indians (including those born in Canada) serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at the highest per-capita rates of any demographic group.