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Most of us learned about Canadian history through school textbooks, but the history we learned is not the whole story. Enter the Blanket Exercise, a facilitated, interactive event that illustrates the Indigenous experience of the colonization of Canada.
The Nelson Public Library, in partnership with Touchstones Nelson, will host Indigenous educator Toni Appleby and elder Donna Wright as they take us on this unique exploration of our shared history on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. in the library’s upstairs lounge area.
Using blankets to represent Indigenous lands pre-colonization, facilitators guide participants through a historical timeline that illustrates the how social and political changes have impacted Indigenous people.
The Blanket Exercise presents an opportunity to consider where we’ve been and where we want to go as we live together on this land we all call home. Blankets are provided, and all are welcome to attend. A discussion will follow the exercise.
Developed with Indigenous partners by the organization KAIROS, the Blanket Exercise has become an important tool for understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important day for all Canadians to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.