Last weekend, Salt Spring Islanders and our neighbours from across the U.S. gathered for Hands Across the Water—a three-day celebration that reminded us of what’s possible when we choose connection over division. Guests travelled from many parts of the United States, though the kinship with Orcas Island shone especially bright. Together, we ate, danced, laughed, and shared ideas about how to face the future side by side.

American and Canadian boats shaking hands | Photo: Leslie Ash

The flotilla welcoming, shaking hands and meeting on the water | Photo:Steve Martindale

Salt Spring Island Folks meeting Orcas Island Friends, shaking hands across the water, chatting about all the similarieties we share! | Photo: Leslie Ash

Boats rafting up to the Providence, Hands Across the Water | Photo:Steve Martindale

It was more than a party. While national headlines often portray Canada–U.S. relations through the lens of conflict—trade disputes, politics, and division—the lived experience here was the opposite. When communities only hear stories of tension, it breeds fear, mistrust, and a sense of “us versus them.” Events like Hands Across the Water help undo that harm by showing that ordinary people on both sides of the border are eager to cooperate, support one another, and find joy together.

The weekend began Friday with more than two dozen U.S. boats arriving in Salt Spring waters, where they were warmly welcomed by an equal number of Canadian boats—among them the Coast Guard, Salt Spring Search & Rescue (SAR), the tall ship Providence, and a cheerful local flotilla. Islanders cheered from the shoreline and their own boats as American and Canadian crews arrived side by side, everyone shaking hands, sharing stories and having laughs. That evening, an opening ceremony in Centennial Park was followed by a lively concert with Everyday People, bringing hundreds together to dance and sing.

Dancing in the park Friday night to Everyday People | Photo: Leslie Ash

The Benefits of Working Together

The weekend wasn’t only about fun—it was about regional resilience and relationships. Affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous relationships were at the heart of Saturday morning’s Connecting the Dots conversations. Islanders and U.S. guests discovered they are facing nearly identical challenges and that solutions are stronger when knowledge is shared.

- Housing: Lisa Byers, Executive Director of OPAL Community land trust, shared how Orcas is now up to 220 units of affordable housing for rental and ownership, and talked with Salt Spring representatives about innovative approaches in a time when high land and construction prices are huge challenges for economic viability.
- Environment: Cindy Elliser from The Salish Sea Institute in Bellingham join our own Briony Penn to remind us that the Salish Sea knows no border. Protecting orcas, salmon, and coastal ecosystems requires collaboration across jurisdictions. When we work together, we amplify our impact.
- Indigenous Relations: Penelakut elder Snumithiya (Jill Harris) joined Councillor and Fisheries manager Ken Thomas, with Josiah French (a W̱SÁNEĆ member from San Juan Island) on speakerphone, to emphasize how Indigenous peoples have lived across this region long before national borders existed. They discovered shared ancestry, and made the case for shared stewardship of the land and waters. Perry LaFortune, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) Councillor also attended the event and discussed housing opportunities.

Saturday morning’s Connecting the Dots conversations | Photo: Pam Tarr

Saturday morning’s Connecting the Dots conversations | Photo: Pam Tarr

Saturday morning’s Connecting the Dots conversations | Photo: Pam Tarr

Beyond these specific areas, the conversations made clear that working side by side builds social trust—the most powerful ingredient in resilience. Friendships formed over music, pancakes, and soccer become the foundation for mutual aid during emergencies, stronger advocacy for environmental protection, and a more united voice in shaping the future of our islands.

Healing Beyond Headlines

Contrast this with the steady stream of national coverage framing Canada–U.S. relations as a battleground of competing interests. That framing—while sometimes accurate at the level of governments—ignores and even undermines the reality that border communities depend on one another. When the media amplifies conflict without context, it risks sowing suspicion, hardening stereotypes, and discouraging cooperation.

Hands Across the Water stood as a joyful act of resistance to that narrative. It proved that while governments may disagree, people can choose trust and solidarity. Islanders on both sides of the Salish Sea are not enemies—we are neighbours.

People gathering on the dock to watch the BoomBooms play on the Povidence Ship in Ganges Harbour | Photo: Pam Tarr

The Boom Booms playing on the Providence in Ganges Harbour | Photo: Pam Tarr

The BoomBooms playing on the Povidence Ship in Ganges Harbour | Photo: Pam Tarr

A Lasting Impact

Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, funds were raised for Transition Salt Spring and the Orcas Community Resource Center, supporting resilience work that benefits both regions. But the real legacy of the weekend lies in the friendships forged, the conversations sparked, and the reminder that we are stronger when we work together.

The border may be a line on a map, but the Salish Sea connects us all. Hands Across the Water showed us that when we reach across with open hearts, we not only celebrate together—we create a foundation to face our shared challenges with strength, creativity, and hope.

On Sunday folks took a ride on the Providence | Photo: Steve Martindale

Providence Ship in all her glory | Photo: Steve Martindale