BONUS: Using the Jay Treaty – How to Work on Both Sides of the Border
Joel wanted to cast a wider net for roles and try to get work in the United States. But first, he needed to get a social security number.
Follow Joel's journey over the border to Bellingham, USA to get his SSN!
The Jay Treaty allows Indigenous Peoples in Canada to travel freely across the border to work, live, or study. It’s not as easy as it sounds though. It was pretty challenging to find the right information and get the right documents in order. Hopefully Joel's experience will help you navigate the system if you're an Indigenous actor in the same boat! This information is not legal advice.
What Joel needed:
Signed blood quantum letter from his band. This had to be an original letter on letterhead with the address and signed by one of any of the people listed under “Governance” for your specific band on this website.
Long form birth certificate
Treaty card
Other form of ID (driver's license or passport)
Find more info in the links below:
USCIS Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada (you don't need a green card to get an SSN but useful information)
Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty (this is an old post but still useful)
The Peace Arch border crossing
Joel driving home in the rental car.
(Check out the train in the background!)