Response to regressive tariffs and new age of ‘US colonialism’
WASHINGTON—During an address to the Winter Assembly of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Washington D.C. last week National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak invited First Nations leaders on both side of the Canada-United States border to jointly advance collective rights and economic interests in response to the regressive tariffs and a new age of colonialism emerging from the US federal government.
“First Nations and Native Americans have inhabited these territories long before colonial borders were established,” National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak said in a press release. “With the Jay Treaty of 1794, we have long-standing rights to cross the Canada-US border and engage in trade. In addition, our territories hold vast deposits of critical minerals and natural resources that fuel industries and sustain communities on both sides of the border.”
The National Chief joined Congress delegates for meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington last week. She also met with NCAI president Mark Macarro. The national chief thanked him for the opportunity to participate in the winter assembly and invited NCAI leaders to attend the AFN annual general assembly in July on Treaty One Territory in Manitoba to keep dialogue moving forward.
“The impact of tariffs will be far-reaching for many Nations on both sides of the border,” said the national chief. “Higher costs and reduced opportunities will have a direct effect on First Nations businesses and consumers, many of whom already experience challenges in economic participation. In uncertain times, we need to protect each other and be on the lookout for new opportunities that may emerge.”
When last imposed in 2017, US tariffs led to the renegotiation of trade between Canada, Mexico and the United States. First Nations and Native Americans contributed to an agreement that included exceptions to protect rand and other specific preferences for First Nation businesses.
