Anishinabek developing identity cards to replace status and tax exemption cards
Union of Ontario Indians Press Release
Anishinabek Endorse New Status Card - Updating earlier version: Anishinabek developing own identity cards
NIPISSING FIRST NATION, ONTARIO--(Nov. 2, 2006) - Anishinabek leaders have endorsed the development of a new security-compatible Certificate of Indian Status card for use by citizens of their 42 member First Nations.
Grand Council Chief John Beaucage confirmed that Chiefs attending this week's Special Assembly in Garden River First Nation endorsed the development of a new, more secure Certificate of Indian Status to replace existing federal status cards and provincial Certificates of Tax Exemption used for purchases of gasoline and tobacco.
"This new status card would also allow our citizens to go back and forth across the border without a passport," said Beaucage, referring to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - an anti-terrorist requirement that all travellers to the U.S. - including Canadians - have a valid passport by Jan. 1, 2008.
"We're negotiating with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to be the delivery agent for this new multi-purpose status card," said Beaucage. The new cards will require final approval by the Government of Canada, which the Grand Council Chief hopes to secure in time for a spring, 2007 implementation.
The new status card will incorporate high-technology security features, such as a holographic photo, designed to put an end to the practice of forging Status Cards.
"People without any rights are using forged cards to purchase eye glasses and prescription drugs," said Beaucage. "They are stealing from our communities by doing that. We want to put these forgers out of business."
The Grand Council Chief also stressed the new card's implications for cross-border travel by Anishinabek Nation citizens.
"It will ratify our treaty rights," he said, "especially the 1794 Jay Treaty which provides for unrestricted travel for First Nations people between Canada and the United States."
The Chiefs-in-Assembly also endorsed the Anishinabek Nation proposal for a mobile unit to travel to Anishinabek Nation communities to distribute the new cards. He added that the Anishinabek Nation would be willing to share any new technologies with other treaty organizations across Ontario.
The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The UOI is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bob Goulais, Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief
Primary Phone: 705-497-9127 ext. 2245
Secondary Phone: 705-498-5250
E-mail: goubob@anishinabek.ca