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Date: 1960's

As young Americans found the war in Vietnam increasingly abhorrent, they decided to leave the U.S. All across Canada, individuals and groups sought to give aid to these new arrivals. In Edmonton, a society was formed call the Alexander Ross Society. It took its name from the man, who during the Civil War, organized an underground railroad to assist African-American slaves as they sought to escape their bondage and flee to the safety of Canada.


The Society was a loose organization of concerned citizens and churches who felt they must assist these young men, not only on grounds of compassion, but also to honour Canada's policy of welcoming refugees, even if they were fleeing from our southern neighbour.


Many of these young men were totally unfamiliar with Canada and felt isolated from family and friends. They were apprehensive about the R.C.M.P. Would they turn them over to the American authorities? This, of course, was a false fear because of Canada's policy of opening her borders to those seeking asylum.


The congregation I served, Garneau United Church, made the decision to support draft dodgers and deserters in various ways. Many were taken into homes until they were able to get themselves situated. Others in the congregation gave financial help until a job offer could be found thus enabling them to seek landed immigration status. Some church members, accompanied by draft dodgers and deserters, presented their situation to other churches and larger church and community gatherings. The point was made that regardless of one's personal stance toward the war in Vietnam, there were persons in our midst needing our help. Furthermore, Canada had a long tradition of accepting those who sought asylum in our land.


It is estimated that some 80,000 American draft dodgers and deserters sought sanctuary in Canada. Many of these remained and became good citizens. I performed wedding ceremonies for some of these young men who, after settling in Canada, met and married Canadian women. I recall, in particular the wedding of a Draft Dodger and his fiancee. His parents came from the States to attend the ceremony. His brother, who was in the U.S. Marines, was his best man. This was a family whose ties were so strong that they transcended their differences with regards the war.


Today, for many draft dodgers and deserters, Edmonton is a city they call home.