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Relations between the Aboriginal peoples of Canada and the United States go back thousands of years
before the founding of our two countries. Today, there are many Aboriginal communities on either side
of the Canada-United States border that still share long-standing cultural, linguistic, economic, and
family ties with one another. While Canadian and US Aboriginal communities have accomplished a lot
on their own in recent years to re-affirm their connections with one another, the Canadian Department
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has also begun to take on a more visible and active role in
facilitating ties between the continent's First Peoples.
Canadian offices in the United States have a broad network of American contacts that help keep them
informed of US Native American events that might be of interest to Aboriginal Canadian people. You
can contact the public affairs and trade officers at these offices if you are considering a project in the
United States and looking for potential partners (see www.can-am.gc.ca for more information).
Canadian staff can also direct Americans to Aboriginal initiatives taking place in Canada, and where
possible facilitate linkages between Canadian and Americans sharing a common interest in Aboriginal
issues and events.
Political Affairs
Given the breadth, depth and complexity of the US-Canada relationship as a whole, many issues that
the Canadian and US governments address with one another (bilateral issues) may have an Aboriginal
component to them. While there are a few uniquely Aboriginal bilateral issues, such as the transportation of eagle feathers across the border, it is
not necessarily easy to address them because both countries do not use the same method of attributing
"Indian status" to members of their respective Aboriginal populations. Other times, there may be issues
on which Aboriginal groups on either side of the border may not agree with one another and this can
also contribute to the challenge of addressing a particular bilateral issue. The best spokespersons on
Aboriginal issues are Aboriginal people themselves. The regional profiles in this section of the website offer some examples where the Canadian government has worked with
Aboriginal Canadians on initiatives in the United States.
Academic Relations
Cultural and academic officers at the Canadian Embassy and consulates are well connected to a
network of US academics specializing Canadian Studies. Many US Canadian Studies programs have
Native Studies components that are devoted to the study of Aboriginal issues and culture in Canada.
Opportunities exist for furthering contacts between Aboriginal Canadians and US academic institutions
that have Canadian/Native Studies programs. A number of US Canadian Studies programs have been
awarded faculty research grants, graduate student fellowships, and course development grants to
enhance their work on Canadian aboriginal issues and culture. Many US academic institutions host
events that are related to Aboriginal topics. The Association for Canadian Studies in the United States also provides further information.
Aboriginal students have participated in the Student Internship program at the Canadian Embassy in
Washington DC. The program is designed to provide students with an opportunity for involvement in
governmental affairs, and to provide a general understanding of the Canada-US bilateral relationship
through work in the Embassy. There are several positions in the Embassy, for applicants are screened
to match their particular academic and/or area interest. For further information please contact:
Ingrid Summa, Intern Coordinator
Email: ingrid.summa@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.
Other information at www.canadianembassy.org/english/embassy/internships.asp
Cultural Promotion
Cultural activities form a large and vital part of the existence of Aboriginal communities. The promotion
of Canadian Aboriginal culture is one of the most visible manifestation of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade in the United States. Inuit, First Nations, and Metis culture contribute a
key part of Canada's presence in the USA. Giving people an opportunity to appreciate the richness
and traditions of Aboriginal culture can play an important role in addressing Aboriginal bilateral issues.
In other instances, Aboriginal Canadian culture stands on its own, entertaining and educating the US
audience.
Aboriginal Business and Trade Promotion
Trade Commissioners and Business Development Officers at Canadian government offices in the US
are there to provide local market information to potential Canadian exporters. To enhance their
knowledge about these markets they research and participate in Aboriginal cultural and business events,
arts and crafts seminars, and buyers missions in the US and Canada. Many of them have contacts with
art galleries and arts dealers in major US cities. To access US Market Reports on a sector of interest
to you, visit www.infoexport.gc.ca. To locate a trade commissioner or to find out more about exporting
to the US, go to www.can-am.gc.ca.
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