The Mother’s Day Walk began in 1983 when Americans accepted an invitation to receive a cruise missile back from Canadians who were protesting American cruise missile tests at Cold Lake, Alberta. The Americans ceremoniously received the missile and afterwards attempted to very publicly deposit it at a U.S. military installation near Seattle.
The meeting of U.S. and Canadian peace activists has continued each year since 1983. Participants advocating for peace, justice and the environment play music, dance, perform skits, give talks, recite poetry, renew old acquaintances, commemorate the passing of some past marchers and receive special guests from various organizations in the U.S., Canada and abroad.
The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Authorities on both sides of the border are contacted annually and have been gracious in welcoming walkers to settle in together for the annual event.
The Doukhobor Community of the B.C. Southern Interior, other Canadians from the Okanagan-Similkameen and Americans from Republic, Tonasket, Omak and Oroville are the organizers and the mainstay of the annual event.
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, April 12 American walkers leave the Oroville Library at noon. Canadian walkers leave Haynes Point Provincial Park at 1 p.m.
Celebrations at the border are from 2 to 4 p.m.
For further information, call Canadians at 250-499-5417 or 250 442 8252 and Americans at 509-485-3844.