Home
The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) at Western Washington University is a multidisciplinary institute that undertakes research to inform policy-makers on matters related to the Canada–United States border, particularly in the Cascadia region.
Priority focus areas include:
- Border management
- Economic relationships
- Cross-border mobility
- Cross-border collaboration
Western Washington University established the BPRI in 2005 after September 11th transformed border relations and security. The BPRI continues to promote research, academic programs, and public programming on critical policy issues affecting border crossings between British Columbia and Washington State. We work closely with cognate programs at the university and collaborate with many public and private entities throughout the region.
The Future of Borders with Laurie Trautman and Ted Alden
Saturday, Feb 7, 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Whatcom Museum is located at 121 Prospect Street in Bellingham in the Old City Hall building.
Registration for this event opens on Thursday, January 1, 2026:
Join us in Whatcom Museum’s Rotunda Room (121 Prospect Street) for a timely discussion. Borders are largely constructed to prevent ‘bad’ things from entering a country – drugs, unwanted foreigners, pandemics – yet with questionable results. An over-reliance on borders not only has deplorable humanitarian consequences, as captured in the 2026 Whatcom READS selection Solito, but also infringes upon the mobility and rights of everyday citizens. This conversation will draw upon the 2025 book, When the World Closed its Doors: The COVID-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders, to trace the recent and ongoing trajectory of borders as tools that are increasingly deployed to address a widening array of ‘threats’ and the collateral damage that ensues both in North America and beyond.
2026 – A Pivotal Year for U.S. Relations with Mexico and Canada
February 18th, 2026 12:00PM -1:00PM
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for U.S. relations with Mexico and Canada. From the mandated USMCA review to the North American–hosted World Cup, and across a wide range of bilateral issues including security, migration, trade, and cross‑border mobility, the year brings both opportunities and challenges for all three countries. Join the World Affairs Council for a conversation on the key dynamics shaping U.S. engagement with its neighbors and the issues that will define North American cooperation in the years ahead.
Lummi Nation's Fight for Consultation on Projects in Canada - WWU World Issues Forum
When: February 11, 2026; Wednesday 12:00 - 1:20
Where: Fairhaven College Auditorium FA 300A&B
John Gailus is a Founder and Director of Cascadia Legal LLP in Victoria, BC
Gailus is a member of the Cumshewa Clan of the Haida Nation. He has a varied law practice focused on consultation, Aboriginal and treaty rights litigation, Indian Act issues and economic development, both on and off reserve. John has served as counsel in all levels of Court, including the Supreme Court of Canada on multiple occasions. John is an Adjunct Professor in the University of Victoria Faculty of Law where he teaches the Indigenous Lands, Rights and Governance course.
