Plans are in the works for the mayors of Fort Frances and International Falls to formally declare their communities’ friendship for each other.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas has reached out to Falls Mayor Drake Dill, inviting his council and staff to a gathering on July 2nd at the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

It is there that the two mayors would sign a Proclamation of Friendship.

The event would also have the two mayors raise Minnesota’s State flag alongside that of International Falls.

Dill calls it a good gesture.

The move comes amidst increased nationalism in Canada in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada’s sovereignty in the trade dispute between the two countries.

Fort Frances and International Falls have existed as border communities for over 100 years.

A Sister Cities agreement was signed in 2002 by then-Mayors Glenn Witherspoon and Harry Swendsen, formally recognizing that relationship and promoting international goodwill.