Intercultural Capacity Development (The Blanket Exercise)

Facilitator: Christy Bressette and Elder (TBD)
The intercultural capacity development exercise, also known as the “Blanket Exercise”, is an interactive learning experience that provides participants with difficult and sensitive information about the history of indigenous peoples, including the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools, the 60s Scoop, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Treaties and Indigenous rights, the Indian Act, Indigenous law, and Indigenous—Crown relations. The exercise covers over 500 years of history in one participatory workshop.
The exercise will be followed by a debriefing session, led by the facilitator and Elders, where participants will have the opportunity to discuss the experience as a group within a sharing circle.
Please be advise that the content of the information shared will be disturbing and an Elder and professional health care provider will be available on-site to support, if needed.
Participants should come dressed comfortably and be prepared to remove footwear (e.g., shoes) while standing on the blankets.

HDLH Foundation Focus
Belonging, Well-being, Expression, Engagement

Suited for: All RECEs, Teachers, ECE Students