The Blanket Exercise

The 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.

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Testimonials

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

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

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

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

​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