Blanket exercise facts for kids

The blanket exercise is a special way to learn about the history of Canada. It helps people understand how Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) people were affected by colonization. This program teaches history in an interactive way, meaning you get to be part of the story! It was created to help Canadians understand each other better.

How the Blanket Exercise Started

Back in 1996, a group called the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples made a big report. It suggested ways to make relationships better between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. One important idea was education. Learning about history was seen as a key step to becoming friends again.

Because of this report, an organization called KAIROS created the blanket exercise in 1997. They worked with Indigenous elders and leaders to make sure the story was told correctly.

Later, in 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada also said that education was super important. After that, the blanket exercise became even more popular across Canada.

How the Exercise Works

The blanket exercise tells the story of Canadian history from an Indigenous point of view.

Setting Up the Story

First, everyone stands on blankets spread out on the floor. These blankets represent the lands where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people lived for thousands of years.

A leader, called a facilitator, guides the group. They act like a European "settler" and read a script. This script tells the story of when Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people first met.

The Story Unfolds

As the story continues, the blankets are folded and made smaller. This shows how Indigenous lands became smaller over time. This happened because of treaties and new laws that created reserves.

Sometimes, people are asked to step off their blankets. This symbolizes sad events like diseases, conflicts, and the loss of many lives. It also shows how people were forced to leave their homes. Blankets are also moved or taken away. This represents how land was taken and people were moved to new places.

The End of the Exercise

By the end of the exercise, only a few "survivors" are left. They stand on very small squares of blankets. This shows the small number of Indigenous people who remained on their traditional lands in Canada.

The exercise finishes with everyone talking about what they learned. They share their feelings and thoughts about the experience.

Where Blanket Exercises Happen

Blanket exercises happen in many different places. You can find them in churches, schools, community centres, and even businesses all over Canada.

In May 2016, many blanket exercises took place in major cities across Canada. A big event happened on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 31. More than 800 people took part in that workshop!