On this page you will find information about how the Diocese of New Westminster is untilizing the KAIROS Canada initiative; The Blanket Exercise ("Indigenous rights history we've never been taught") as a tool for learning and reconciliation.
We recommend to your attention the downloads available below and we ask that you check this page in the future as more content will be added.
“Blanket Exercise’ at October ‘Wrongs to Rights’ gathering.
“The ‘Blanket Exercise’ is a workshop explaining 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 Nation, Inuit, and later Metis peoples. The exercise is a unique, participatory history lesson developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.”
Although originated by KAIROS, a Canadian faith based ecumenical organization in 1997, the ‘Blanket Exercise’ is for everyone; churchgoers and unchurched alike. It is for those of any or no religion, any age, ethnic origin and orientation – in short, it is open to all ‘new’ and ‘old’ Canadians and everything in-between. So please invite others to attend. Everybody is welcome (though it is a school-day), and there is no charge!
The facilitator will be Grand Chief Clarence ‘Kat’ Pennier from Sq’ewlets (Scowlitz) First Nation, Lake Errock.
As we shall be walking on blankets we are asked to remove footwear and wear our socks.
The ‘Blanket Exercise’ will take place Wed. October 2, 2019 at the ‘Wrongs to Rights’ group in All Saints Anglican Church hall (6904 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz). We will gather for refreshments at 12:30pm, coming together at 1:00 pm for the ‘Blanket Exercise’. The event will close at 3pm.
We look forward to seeing you there – Everyone is welcome!