Southern Chiefs Delegation Advances Cross-Border Rights, Health Care, and Tribal ID Exchange in Washington, DC
Press Release
April 29, 2026
“We are building relationships that will lead to real opportunities and lasting change for our nations, amid growing trade tensions between the two countries. Our Nations are leading, and we are shaping the future of our economies.”
—Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — A Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) delegation has concluded two days of high-level engagements in Washington, DC, advancing Anishinaabe and Dakota priorities on cross-border rights, Tribal identification, health care access, and trade—and securing a forthcoming invitation to provide expert testimony before the United States Congress.
SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels was joined by Chief Cameron Catcheway of Skownan First Nation; Advisor and former Grand Chief Margaret Swan of Lake Manitoba First Nation; and Councillor Rachel Ferreira and Max Seenie of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. The delegation was accompanied by SCO’s in-house lobbyist and political advisor, Sandra Hodzic.
On day one, the delegation met with the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Discussions focused on integrating Anishinaabe and other First Nations languages into the education system—drawing on models developed in Hawaii and Alaska—and on building bipartisan Senate awareness of the Jay Treaty of 1794 and the cross-border rights of Indigenous peoples. SCO underscored that American and Canadian Tribes share a common Indigenous history that long predates the international border, and that First Nations should not be caught up in the trade tensions between the two countries.
The Jay Treaty recognized the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to freely cross the Canada–United States border and maintain trade and economic relationships across their territories. SCO continues to raise concerns about the ongoing restrictions that have been unilaterally implemented over time, which create barriers for southern First Nations citizens, businesses, and Nations seeking to move goods, services, and people across the border. For First Nations, these are inherent rights that predate both Canada and the United States.
“Our people have always traded and worked together across these lands long before there was a border,” said Chief Catcheway. “We are working to ensure those connections are recognized and supported today so economies can grow and create opportunities for future generations.”
On day two, the delegation met with staff in the office of Congresswoman Sharice Davids, the House’s most active Democratic champion on Indigenous issues—leading legislation on boarding school truth and healing, Native economic development, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) protections in lockstep with Representative Tom Cole. SCO discussed the proposed Tribal ID Bill, which would advance government recognition of Tribal heritage and status cards as valid identification and ease cross-border travel without requiring additional proof of citizenship. SCO has been invited to provide expert testimony before Congress when the Bill reaches the floor, and is examining complementary legislation in Canada.
The delegation also met with staff in the office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents Minnesota, to discuss the free flow of health care services for southern First Nations citizens who require expedited and specialized care. The meeting included discussion of the continuing relevance of the Jay Treaty and sought Congresswoman McCollum’s support for advancing the Tribal ID Bill that would lead to stronger enforcement in the movement of people, goods, and services across the border.
SCO concluded its Washington meetings with Canadian Embassy diplomats to share key takeaways and to press for First Nations representation at the bargaining table on trade, tariffs, and the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) negotiations.
“This work is securing a stronger economic future for our Nations,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “We are building relationships that will lead to real investments, opportunities, and lasting change. Our Nations are leading, and we are shaping the future of our economies.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
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