Borders by Thomas King

Title: Borders

Author: Thomas King

Setting: The Canada–United States border, mainly at the border crossing near Coutts, Alberta, and Sweetgrass, Montana

Summary:

The story is told from the point of view of a young boy who travels with his mother from their home in a Blackfoot reserve in Canada to visit his sister Laetitia, who lives in Salt Lake City, USA.

When they arrive at the border, the American border guard asks the mother for her citizenship — expecting her to say “Canadian” or “American.” But the mother proudly replies, “Blackfoot.”

The guard becomes confused, saying that “Blackfoot” is not a recognized nationality and that she must choose between “Canadian” or “American.” The mother refuses, standing firm in her identity as Blackfoot, which represents her Indigenous nation — a people whose land existed long before these borders were created.

Because she won’t give an acceptable answer, the border officials won’t let them enter the U.S. They are sent back to the Canadian side, but there too, the guards ask the same question. Again, the mother says “Blackfoot,” and they refuse to let her re-enter Canada.

As a result, the mother and son are stuck in the no-man’s-land between the two borders — sleeping in their car and depending on food from a nearby duty-free shop.

The situation attracts attention. A reporter comes to interview them, and soon their story appears in the news. People begin to notice how unfair the situation is. Finally, after much attention, the authorities allow them to cross so they can visit Laetitia.

Despite the struggle, the mother never wavers in her pride and identity. The boy, watching his mother’s strength, learns the importance of self-respect, cultural pride, and resistance against being forced to choose between artificial national borders.