American draft dodgers

demonstration

Vietnam draft dodgers who settled in Canada have influenced some of its small towns for generations

Lifestyle

Tens of thousands of young American men went to Canada to avoid being conscripted to fight in Vietnam. Some Canadians welcomed them, while others wanted nothing to do with these “hippies.” But many of those who stayed — and half of them did — would go on to be leaders in their communities as politicians, environmental activists and teachers and have a lasting impact on Canada’s small towns.