Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Sunday, June 7, 2009 Tribes tell members to use tribal ID at U.S. border crossings with Canada Many say they can't afford upgrading to the security features the federal government advocates. By Krista J. Kapralos Herald Writer People crossing the U.S.-­Canada border are now required to show a passport or enhanced driver's license, but American Indian leaders are encouraging tribal members to continue using their tribe-issued identification cards instead. The National Congress of American Indians, which opposes the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative's passport requirement, fought hard for the right of tribes to cross the border using cards issued by tribal governments. Federal officials agreed to accept tribal ID, as long as tribes developed enhanced cards with top-notch security features. So far, just one tribe, the Kootenai in Idaho, has signed an agreement with federal officials to develop its own enhanced ID system. That tribe is still creating its system. Leaders of other tribes say they don't have the money to develop their own systems. According to the National Congress of American Indians, it's unlikely that other tribes will be ready to implement enhanced ID cards until December or early next year. Until then, according to statements released by the organization, Indians should continue using their current tribal-issued ID cards. "(The Department of Homeland Security) has said that they will be 'flexible' in allowing tribal IDs to be used for a 'modest but reasonable transition period,'" Theresa Sheldon, a Tulalip tribal policy analyst, said in a presentation at a recent tribal conference. "NCAI has no idea what 'modest, but reasonable transition period' means. NCAI is counseling tribal members to continue to use their tribal ID cards." Indians who live along the Canadian border have for generations crossed back and forth for cultural and religious ceremonies and to visit relatives. Many Indians protested the passport requirement, saying that they were promised the right to cross the border freely. Tribal leaders plan to meet with Canadian First Nations leaders at a conference next week in Niagara Falls, N.Y., where they are expected to discuss how to protect each tribe's sovereignty while retaining relatively easy access across the border, according to the conference agenda. Tulalip tribal leaders could not be reached for comment. Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422, kkapralos@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Log in or register to post new comment | Log out Wow If we have to follow the new security laws, so should you.. we're all equall right? Everyone knows that Native Americans are doing very well now.. so stop complaining & just do what needs to be done. You are right.. the goverment is really stepping on a lot of toes, (Native & White) But there is no stopping it now, & things are only going to get worse (or better in some eyes) as far as security goes. So for now the best thing to do is go with it, if things get too crazy.. then is the time to oppose. Thanks for your time. Torn Uffda | Jun 7, 2009 4:44 am | 2 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

1. Shot ends search for man sought in killing of Seattle police officer 2. Thousands honor slain Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton 3. No charge will be filed in death of Everett pedestrian 4. Rain, thunderstorms forecast for lowlands 5. Bothell steamrolls Stanwood 6. PREP FOOTBALL/SWIMMING ROUNDUP: Halfback pass for touchdown sparks Sultan win 7. More jibba-jabba 8. Obama OK's homebuyer tax credit 9. Suspect identified in Seattle police killing 10. Dana nibbles into Somers’ lead 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Gough on track to keep job • Jazz vocalist headlines NPAC • Mountlake Terrace makes football history • Tax revenue sagging, city budgets lagging • ‘Touch of Magic' show opens at Gallery North • Jackson repeats as South champs • Holiday Bazaars Calendar • Meadowdale storms back to grab title • Edmonds moves to Fire District 1 • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million