Ktunaxa First Nations issue U.S. travel advisories for band members – Elk Valley News

February 2, 2026

Ktunaxa Nation governments have issued travel advisories for members entering the United States following reports of increased scrutiny by border security amid internal turmoil over immigration enforcement practices.

The First Nation governments of ʔaq̓am, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it have each issued the travel advisory as there have been cases where Indigenous members have been delayed or detained, while some Indigenous-specific documentation has not been consistently recognized by U.S. border officials.

“Band Members are encouraged to carefully assess the necessity of travel to the United States at this time and to take all appropriate precautions,” reads a statement from the Lower Kootenay Band.