Formation of Kids for Kaga
In 1968, Dundas and Kaga (加賀), became the first twinning of an eastern and western community. It has since become the longest lasting exchange programme in the world. Started after World War II, this grass roots exchange programme began as an exchange of letters between Dundas Mayor Leslie Couldry, Dr. Hannah Newcombe and Kaga Mayor Higashino. Their aim was not only to allow students to experience a different culture, but to also promote cross-cultural understanding and world peace.
With the official twinning ceremony taking place at the Dundas Driving Park , Dundas became the first municipality mundialized by the United Nations in North America. Due to our relationship with Kaga, Dundas flies the UN flag at the old town hall.
With the official twinning ceremony taking place at the Dundas Driving Park , Dundas became the first municipality mundialized by the United Nations in North America. Due to our relationship with Kaga, Dundas flies the UN flag at the old town hall.
Exchanges
In 1970, the first exchange saw the first Kids for Kaga exchange, with 32 Dundas students and their teacher, Julie Ashcroft leaving for 3 weeks. The following year, 46 participants arrived from Kaga to experience Canadian culture. Since that first exchange over 40 years ago, the two communities have continued to build and strengthen their ties one student at a time. Many of our past participants have stayed in contact with and maintain relationships with their host families.