The Blanket ExerciseThe Blanket Exercise is an experience, a workshop educational tool, that is used to revisit Canada's history through an Indigenous lens.
It is a history lesson, a demonstration, that invites participants from all cultural backgrounds to experience the history of Canada's indigenous and non-indigenous relationship. Trained facilitators introduce participants to the timeline of historical Canadian events that span from before the European colonizers arrived to today. This is the story of the shared history of the indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of Canada. The Blanket Exercise was first developed by KAIROS Canada in 1997; a product of a collaborative effort between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. |
Testimonials
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My experience with the Blanket Exercise was eye-opening and deeply moving. The exercise’s interactive nature helped me connect with the historical events personally, making the history feel more immediate and real.
I learned about the significant impact of colonization on Indigenous communities in Canada. The exercise highlighted the systemic injustices and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. It also emphasized the importance of understanding and acknowledging this history to foster reconciliation. I was surprised by the extent of the policies and actions taken against Indigenous peoples, many of which I was previously unaware. The emotional impact of the exercise also surprised me, as it brought to light the human stories behind the historical facts. The Blanket Exercise has inspired me to learn more about Indigenous cultures and histories and motivated me to become involved in supporting Indigenous rights and reconciliation efforts. -Tamara M. |
The Blanket Exercise was amazing! It was offered in such a safe yet impactful way. Hearing shared stories from survivors really helped to make it real, without any intimation of resentment or blame. There is heaviness in the idea that it took generations to get here, and though we are finally moving in the right direction, it will take generations to heal. It’s disappointing that I am unlikely to see full reconciliation in my lifetime, but I will continue to do my part by nurturing the seeds of inclusion, equality and fairness in myself and my children.
I hope this ceremony will be a yearly offering. I would appreciate taking it again. I painted this (right) after the course – connecting with some of the messages that were shared about self-care and helping our spirit: let the mud dry and fall away by practicing write & light (on fire), speak and move with rhythm and connect with nature. -Melanie D. |
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-I enjoyed the Blanket Exercise and found it to be a great educational and thought-provoking use of my time. It was emotional, which felt uncomfortable, but honestly necessary given the topics we were discussing. I’m glad we were provided a safe environment to learn and share in.
Even though these are topics I am relatively familiar with already, I believe it’s very necessary to continue to attend sessions like these. Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process that we should all continue to participate in. We continue to face racism, which almost always comes from a place of ignorance. I’m glad MPI gives the space for this learning to ensure employees can face their indigenous co-workers and public with respect and understanding from an informed standpoint. We are entering a changing time where diversity, equity and inclusion are being challenged, and it’s given a platform to people to more openly express their biases—negative views that can be harmful. I recently had some very negative experiences in relation to this, so it was refreshing to see a comradery of staff willing to openly listen and engage in Truth and Reconciliation. -Alyson D. |
I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in the Virtual Blanket Exercise. It was such an incredible and impactful well-thought-out activity; I wish all my history classes back in school had been taught this way.
-Joana |
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The Blanket Exercise is an experience that will touch the heart of everyone who participates. A journey woven through time that gives one much to reflect on about the true history of Indigenous People in Canada. The care given by facilitators to ensure everyone involved has emotional support, and the chance for all participants to share adds to the richness of the experience. I am grateful to have been part of such a deeply important, heartfelt experience – thank you Viola and team.
-Leigh F. See the article written by Payworks after their experience with us.
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The virtual blanket exercise provided a unique and engaging learning experience, allowing our staff from diverse cultural backgrounds to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. Given the current global events and the various cultural roots that participants have in their countries of origin, this experience resonated deeply with everyone in the session. It helped us to empathize and reflect on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, fostering a greater sense of awareness and cultural sensitivity.
-Parwana |
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Thank you for including me in the experience. It was so emotional for me. I felt angry, sad but on top of all these I also had a deeper understanding of the Indigenous people and their past and present struggles as its evident even in our clients. So I am going to be even more empathetic, compassionate and understanding while dealing with them. Thank you once again.
-Isioma |
The Blanket Exercise was a very informative and insightful session, and was effective - even virtually. The facilitators did a great job at presenting the information while also creating safe environment. I believe everyone living in Canada, and especially those who work in a public sector, should have the opportunity to engage in the blanket exercise.
-Shayna |
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Thank you so much for scheduling me for the Virtual Blanket Exercise. It was an incredibly valuable experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture and this chapter of history. Understanding the obstacles people are facing now has inspired me to consider what we, as a community, can do to support each other. Thank you again!
-Viktoriia |
It was a good but uncomfortable moment to reflect on our journey as human beings and the legacy our actions have carried through time. I couldn't stop correlating to my personal story, coming from a family of refugees running for their lives before the Second WW and having most of my relatives die in concentration camps... And today, as an active part of society, I had the opportunity to think about the legacy I want to leave, and what I am doing in the present to impact the future. Thank you!
-Gustavo |
