General Questions
How long is a Blanket Exercise (BE)?
Whether a Real-time Blanket Exercise (RBE) or a Virtual Blanket Exercise (VBE), a BE has three parts: an introduction, an interactive activity, and a talking circle. This process typically takes 3 hours, though depending on the size of the group and their willingness to interact, that time may differ slightly.
How much space do you need for an RBE?
The space should be large enough to accommodate chairs placed in a circle for each participant and each member of the facilitation team. The blankets that are used in the exercise are laid down in the middle of the circle of chairs.
How many blankets are used?
The number of blankets is based on the number of participants. Typically, 1 blanket is used for 2-3 participants. So, for example, a BE with 30 participants would require 10-15 blankets.
What are the minimum and maximum number of participants?
The minimum number of participants to successfully run a BE is 20. This is a hard and fast limit to plan for. If an event has less than 16 participants, the event will need to be rescheduled or cancelled. The ideal number of participants is between 30-40. Groups larger than 60 participants should be split up into separate BEs.
Are you certified through an organization?
Yes. Our Lead Facilitator Viola has been trained and certified through Kairos Blanket Exercises, as have many of our other team members.
Is the BE available in different languages?
The RBE is available only available in English currently. However, we do offer both English and French versions for our VBE.
Who can participate in the BE?
The Blanket Exercise is for everyone!
What ages are appropriate for the BE?
The Youth Blanket Exercise (YBE) is ideally suited for people in grades 7-10. The RBE and VBE are suitable for youth in grades 11 and 12, particularly those in Indigenous or Native studies courses, and of course for adults of all ages.
Where can I experience a Blanket Exercise?
Most of our BEs are requested by private groups or hosts. Occasionally there are BEs that are open to the public. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
If you have a group of 20 people or more who can come together, we’d love to bring the BE to you! We can even do Blanket Exercises virtually. Please call us at (431) 990-0277 or email us for more information.
If you have a group of 20 people or more who can come together, we’d love to bring the BE to you! We can even do Blanket Exercises virtually. Please call us at (431) 990-0277 or email us for more information.
What is the difference between a Real-time Blanket Exercise (RBE) and a Virtual Blanket Exercise (VBE)?
The VBE builds on the main foundations of the RBE and adapts it for an online environment. The VBE is still an interactive and participatory experience and just as impactful as the in-person BE.
Booking a Blanket Exercise
How far in advance do I need to book a BE?
Please reserve your BE a minimum of 3 weeks in advance of your preferred date.
For special requests, including those involving extensive travel, different language requirements, large groups, etc., please reserve your KBE at least 6 weeks in advance.
For special requests, including those involving extensive travel, different language requirements, large groups, etc., please reserve your KBE at least 6 weeks in advance.
How much does it cost to host a BE?
When you submit your request, you will be provided with an estimate.
Fees are based in part on the location of the BE, the number of participants, language requirements, and special accommodations. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to experiencing the BE, Braving the Healing uses a sliding fee scale and provides options for groups with limited budgets.
In addition to enabling options for groups with limited budgets, the fees support resource development, such as scripts and training, and compensation for all members of the Braving the Healing BE program, including Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, facilitators, Program Coordinators, and other staff. All fees collected are returned to the Braving the Healing BE program. The BE program does not receive government funding.
Fees are based in part on the location of the BE, the number of participants, language requirements, and special accommodations. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to experiencing the BE, Braving the Healing uses a sliding fee scale and provides options for groups with limited budgets.
In addition to enabling options for groups with limited budgets, the fees support resource development, such as scripts and training, and compensation for all members of the Braving the Healing BE program, including Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, facilitators, Program Coordinators, and other staff. All fees collected are returned to the Braving the Healing BE program. The BE program does not receive government funding.
I’m a teacher. Can I do the BE with my students?
Braving the Healing is happy to bring the BE to your classroom. Currently, the Youth Blanket Exercise (YBE) is best suited for students in Grades 7-10, and the adult RBE can be used for students in Grades 11-12.
What do I need to know to book a BE?
In addition to a potential date, it’s important for us to know approximately how many participants you will be expecting, the city or region where you’ll be holding the BE, your language preferences, and the age group (adults or youth).
Virtual Blanket Exercises (VBEs) require each participant to have their own computer or mobile device as it is important for each participant to be able to interact on their own accord.
Virtual Blanket Exercises (VBEs) require each participant to have their own computer or mobile device as it is important for each participant to be able to interact on their own accord.
Will there be an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Carrier at my BE?
All Braving the Healing BEs include an Indigenous Knowledge Carrier as the Lead Facilitator, and the participation of an Elder.
Please note, it is proper protocol to offer a gift of tobacco to the Elder and Knowledge Carrier at the beginning of your BE. Please inquire at [email protected] about resources.
Please note, it is proper protocol to offer a gift of tobacco to the Elder and Knowledge Carrier at the beginning of your BE. Please inquire at [email protected] about resources.
Can the RBE be delivered outside?
Yes, the RBE can be facilitated outside but additional preparation is required. When booking an outdoor location, it is recommended that an indoor space also be reserved in case of rain or inclement weather.
Things to keep in mind for outdoor RBEs:
Is it a quiet location away from traffic?
Is it a location with direct sunlight or shade?
Is the location relatively clean?
Is it accessible?
Will you be able to accommodate the needs of participants and facilitators, such as chairs, microphones, water, etc.?
Is it away from outside foot traffic so non-participants aren’t triggered or are interrupting your session?
Things to keep in mind for outdoor RBEs:
Is it a quiet location away from traffic?
Is it a location with direct sunlight or shade?
Is the location relatively clean?
Is it accessible?
Will you be able to accommodate the needs of participants and facilitators, such as chairs, microphones, water, etc.?
Is it away from outside foot traffic so non-participants aren’t triggered or are interrupting your session?
How should my organization prepare to host a BE?
Based on our experience, we recommend:
• Appointing one key contact and a backup contact person who will be responsible for communicating with your participants, as well as greeting the facilitation team the day of your BE.
• Sending out information (i.e. the Zoom link for VBEs, and virtual background images) to your participants prior to your VBE. This is an important step to help prepare your participants.
• The key contact would also be responsible for preparing the tobacco protocols (please inquire at [email protected] about resources). They may also be responsible for offering the tobacco to the Elder at the beginning of your BE.
• After your BE, planning a way to follow up with your participants to check on their mental health. This could be a collective debrief process, or reminders about Employee supports available to them.
• Appointing one key contact and a backup contact person who will be responsible for communicating with your participants, as well as greeting the facilitation team the day of your BE.
• Sending out information (i.e. the Zoom link for VBEs, and virtual background images) to your participants prior to your VBE. This is an important step to help prepare your participants.
• The key contact would also be responsible for preparing the tobacco protocols (please inquire at [email protected] about resources). They may also be responsible for offering the tobacco to the Elder at the beginning of your BE.
• After your BE, planning a way to follow up with your participants to check on their mental health. This could be a collective debrief process, or reminders about Employee supports available to them.
What supports are available during the VBE?
The Virtual Blanket Exercise includes a Chat Coordinator, who will be available to assist for emotional support. Additional resources are also available through our website.
