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DHS Confirms Attendance at the Northern Border Tribal Summit

Rep. Kevin Cramer to Serve as Keynote Speaker

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2017 — The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe announce that John Barsa, Acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Partnership and Engagement, U.S.Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”); Laura Francois-Eugene, Enhanced Tribal Card and Enhanced Driver’s License Program Manager, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS; and avid Munro, Director of Tribal Affairs, DHS have confirmed their attendance at the 2017 Northern Tribal Border Summit.

The Summit is an opportunity for leaders of Indian tribes and First Nations located on or near the U.S. - Canada border to discuss border crossing and related issues, including:

  • Challenges of Northern Border Crossing for Tribal Citizens & Members
  • Trump and Trudeau Administration U.S. Northern Border Policies
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Strategies for Improving Border Access
  • Forming a Northern Tribal Border Alliance

Rep. Kevin Cramer, the Co-Chair of the House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus, will serve as the keynote speaker at the event. Rep. Cramer stated:

The U.S. - Canadian relationship is one of the strongest in the world and this summit presents an extraordinary opportunity for tribal leaders and public officials on both sides of our northern border to come together and further enhance our partnership. I look forward to participating in this event and discussing solutions on how we can better harmonize our border policies and improve the lives of northern border tribal members.

The Summit will be held August 20-21,2017 at Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel in Shakopee, Minnesota. There is no fee to attend the Summit, but participation is limited to officials of federally-recognized Indian tribes located near the U.S. - Canada border, their staff, and their attorneys or professional advocates.