Sovereignty Recognized, Rights Respected.
Jay Treaty Border Alliance –
Collaborative Initiative (JTBA-CI)
The Jay Treaty Border Alliance – Collaborative Initiative was established in October 2022 to address the unique border-crossing challenges faced by First Nations peoples whose communities and families continue to be divided by the international border. The JTBA-CI brings together members of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance and the Government of Canada to work in partnership on issues related to the mobility of First Nations people, their relatives, and goods across the U.S.-Canada border.
JTBA-CI Structure
Work within the JTBA-CI is organized across three levels, each with a distinct role:
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The High Table is the senior leadership body. It provides overall direction and has final approval authority over actions coming out of the initiative.
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The Governance Table is made up of leaders from the JTBA and agency-level representatives from the relevant Canadian federal departments. This body handles the governance of the initiative: tracking progress, overseeing reporting, and translating the High Table's direction into concrete work.
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The Technical Tables are where the issue work happens. These are working groups led by technical staff and subject matter experts from both the JTBA and the relevant Canadian agencies. There are currently five Technical Tables, each focused on a specific issue area: border crossing experience, entry of goods, identification and travel documents, right of entry, and safety and security.
April 2026
JTBA-CI Advocacy Week in Ottawa
In April 2026, JTBA-CI traveled to Ottawa for a week of federal advocacy and government-to-government engagement focused on protecting the border mobility rights of Tribal Nations and First Nations whose territories and relationships predate the United States–Canada border.
During the week, JTBA-CI leaders met with Canadian Ministers, federal officials, and 29 Members of Parliament to advance practical solutions, including amendments to Canada’s immigration laws, improved border officer training, recognition of Tribal-issued identification, and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The following photos capture moments from these meetings, advocacy efforts, and partnership discussions. Together, they reflect JTBA-CI’s ongoing work to protect Indigenous mobility rights, strengthen relationships with federal partners, promote practical policy solutions, and ensure that the voices of Tribal Nations and First Nations remain central in discussions regarding border policy, reconciliation, and Indigenous rights.
You can read the Press Release on this event here.
Read JTBA's Letter calling for immediate action here.
