INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TRAINING
What is it
The Virtual KAIROS Blanket Exercise (vKBE) is an experiential teaching tool based on participatory education methodology that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land now known as Canada. It explores truths that are necessary in the reconciliation process. It is designed to evoke empathy. Empathy and education are key components to reconciliation. In the words of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, “education has gotten us into this mess, and education will get us out.”
In response to the national inquiry and collaborative truths shared by residential school survivors, the Canadian government negotiated an agreement that included the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada [TRC]. The TRC contains 94 Calls to Action to be implemented by the Government of Canada. Truth is needed before reconciliation can happen. Truth in the form of education. The virtual Kairos blanket exercise is a powerfully engaging and interactive way to learn and experience truths that are integral to the reconciliation process.
Where and How
Reconciliation through Education
The key to reconciliation is education. Part of this education must involve truth – truth about our shared histories here on Turtle Island, also called Canada. We are all Treaty people. In order to respectfully adhere to the Treaties and to successfully live together in peace, friendship with mutual respect, we need a shared understanding of how our collective past brought us to where we are today. We need to know our past in order to fully understand the present to then know what our responsibilities are for future generations. Truthful education is just one step in this journey. It must also be followed by action.
Duration
The virtual Blanket Exercise is 3 hours including a Talking Circle (timing will be confirmed with your organization).
How it Works
By means of a personal map drawing that represents one’s home, land and/or community, participants are guided through the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land now referred to as Canada also known as Turtle Island. The journey guides the participants through pre-European contact to post-European contact, treaty-making, colonization, resistance, and perseverance. The exercise concludes with a debriefing, by way of a talking circle, during which the participants discuss the learning experience, share insights, and deepen their understanding. The virtual workshop is interactive, engaging and focused through the Indigenous worldview. The goal of the exercise is to engage its participants both intellectually and emotionally to educate and evoke empathy and understanding.
Booking and Participation
The vKBE is best suitable for groups of between 15 and 40 participants, maximum 43. If your group is larger than 43, we will work with you to book additional sessions. All participants need to be logged into different computers and have access to the Zoom platform. The use of phones, tablets, or other handheld devices is not recommended for best experience of the vKBE.
Complete our Request Form to express your interest.
After you have submitted a request for your private vKBE our administrator will send you a quote and work with you to finalize a date and time for your group. Once your vKBE is confirmed and booked, you will be sent a virtual package with instructions for participants and all needed materials.
To attend a vKBE as an individual or a small group of less than 15, please submit a request and your name will be added to a list. You will be notified of registration once an open vKBE is scheduled.
What to Expect
To visually illustrate this, some participants may be asked to change their selected background images as we progress through the script. Each participant will create and refer to a personal map of their home/community which will change as the script walks through the history of the land. Some participants may be asked to read certain parts of the script, which are quotes from Elders and other community members who contributed to the script.
It is important that everyone enter into the space in a good way, with good intentions, and with open hearts and minds. This workshop is interactive, engaging and has the potential to expand your knowledge on Indigenous histories and life experiences. You will be asked to emotionally interact with this knowledge and education. We ask that your presence in the circle be free of distractions, as much as possible, so that you can give the space and content delivery the respect, dignity, and full attention that it deserves.
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TRAINING
What is it
Responding to the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (which became part of KAIROS Canada in 2001) worked with Indigenous elders and educators throughout Turtle Island to develop an interactive way to learn the history that most people are never taught, and specifically, through the Indigenous lens.
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is a participatory and visceral experience of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples, which includes their relationship with the land, air, and water. It builds relationships, community, and empathy through a shared experience.
Developed by KAIROS Canada, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise uses blankets to represent Turtle Island or other regions that are home to Indigenous peoples. Participants represent Indigenous peoples – each with their distinct cultures and nations – who continue to live on these lands today.
When participants step onto the blankets, they are taken back in time to before the arrival of the Europeans. Working from a script, the facilitation team journey with the participants through the history of treaty-making, colonization, resilience, and resistance.
Duration
3 hours including a Talking Circle.
Capacity:
20 to 35 participants is ideal, but other group sizes may be able to be accommodated.
SANTELE’ S HEALING CIRCLES provides:
The facilitation team (2-5 people) and all relevant supplies.
Trigger Warning:
This learning circle/workshop walks through difficult life experiences such as Indian
Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other examples of colonial violence and policies that have negatively affected Indigenous peoples.
Our Elder/Community Support person is there to assist us as we walk through this journey together.
How it Works
A note on providing health support:
The Blanket Exercise can cause strong emotions and difficult memories/realizations to surface for some participants, particularly if they have been personally impacted by the oppressive and assimilationist policies described in the activity. It is essential to provide proper support during and after the workshop to ensure that the Blanket Exercise is as safe an experience as possible for all participants. It is recommended that the participants be given sufficient time after the session for self-care and self-reflection before
engaging in other activities.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- We will attempt to accommodate a request to reschedule if it is made more than 14 days prior to the confirmed date; however, a service charge of 25% of the cost of the booking may be applied.
- Cancelling the session once it has been confirmed may result in a 30% service charge.
- Cancellations within 14 days of a booking are subject to 30% cancellation fee and/or 50% of the Invoice [before tax].
- Cancellations within 7 days of the booking or no-show on the date of service, are subject to 30% cancellation fee and/or payment of Invoice in full [before tax].
- Changes due to extreme weather are not subject to fees if rescheduled.
PAYMENT POLICY
- Payment is due on or before receipt of the scheduled service.
- Payments received after the date of service are subject to 5% interest.
- NSFs are subject to $250 penalty + applicable bank charges.
- PAYMENT OPTIONS: We accept electronic funds transfer OR credit card over the phone OR paper check delivered in person on the date of service.
