Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation advances Indigenous trade corridor across US-Canada border

The Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan plans to establish an Indigenous-governed trade corridor connecting Dakota territories in Canada and the United States, according to reporting by Mother Jones. The First Nation is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fort Peck Sioux Tribes in Montana to formalize the partnership. The initiative seeks to revive ancestral trade routes and operate under Indigenous law, with a proposed $2 billion infrastructure plan to develop a cross-border trade portal and renewable energy corridors.

Chief Rodger Redman told Mother Jones the project fulfills promises made to Indigenous peoples under the Jay Treaty of 1794, which recognizes cross-border trade rights. Spokesperson Solomon Cyr said the corridor would allow Indigenous nations to control the movement of resources and strengthen sovereignty.