The Indigenous History We're Rarely Taught

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is a workshop that explores the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Blankets arranged on the floor represent land and participants are invited to step into the roles of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. The workshop helps people to understand how the colonization of this land impacts those who were here long before settlers arrived. It engages people’s minds and hearts in understanding why the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is often broken and how we can take action together.

The session will begin with a land acknowledgement followed by a Smudge ceremony. We will then go through an overview of the history of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the 94 Calls to Actions, pre-blanket exercise activities, the blanket exercise, post blanket exercise discussion and activities. We will finish the day with a drum circle and/or dream catcher weaving session