Around 30 people from both sides of the Canada/U.S. divide gathered at the old convent in Hemmingford on May 17 for a “Friends Across the Border” meetup.
The event was organized by Havelock resident Wendy Ayotte, and Janet McFetridge, the mayor of Champlain, New York, as an opportunity to “chat” about mending some of the ties that have unravelled over the past several months.
“I, and probably many Americans, have taken this friendship for granted,” said McFetridge. “Crossing back and forth across the border has always meant visits with families, shopping, a dinner out, or cultural events. And now it seems much of that has changed,” she lamented.
McFetridge reached out to Ayotte; she realized that she risked losing connections with neighbours to the north when local media began reporting on Canadians boycotting U.S. products and cancelling trips. “I felt we needed to visit,” she explained when introducing herself to those gathered.
After a brief welcome, everyone was invited to introduce themselves. Hemmingford Village’s mayor, Drew Somerville, was present as were several members of Bridges not Borders and its American sister organization, Plattsburgh Cares, which provides humanitarian assistance for those in need including asylum seekers who are turned away from the Canadian border.
Many of those from the U.S. expressed outrage, shame, and frustration over the actions of the Trump administration, as well as a desire to one day move past the current political context. Some from Canada spoke about being worried for their personal safety while others shared that they continue to cross the border without issue. Concerns over the treatment of migrants on both sides of the border was also discussed.
“It is a microcosm of every border society in this country,” said one participant. “No two people had the same concerns, but everyone had the same concerns,” he explained.
Ayotte acknowledged she was a bit anxious about organizing the meeting and was quite touched that so many had chosen to take part. “Janet and I were really encouraged by the depth of sharing,” she said, noting the event was lively and people were clearly engaged.
“Some people stressed how important it was to meet face-to-face and to hear from the other side in person rather than via the media,” said Ayotte, while adding that others felt the border “need not be a barrier to friendly relations.”
Ayotte said those in attendance expressed an interest in some shared activities in the future, including a possible cross-border book club or potluck dinners.