Learn more about the history of Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations in Canada and the continued resiliency of diverse Indigenous communities today.
KAIROS Canada is an ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights which has developed a popular tool for teaching Indigenous and non-Indigenous people about Canada’s colonial history. The Blanket Exercise walks participants of all ages through Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations in Canada from pre-contact to today. It has been developed in partnership with Indigenous Elders and facilitators. This exercise is hugely popular at USW events.
Your local union can reach out to KAIROS to get a cost estimate of running this activity. Invite your members, their families and neighbours to participate – there are virtual and in-person options! This event can take up to three hours, so consider bringing snacks.
Afterwards, share with participants the work your local union and our union does with and in support of Indigenous people, or if you’re just beginning to make relationships with Indigenous communities in your region, your ideas on building solidarity locally.
Suggested resources and costs to run this event:
KBE fee, event advertising, facility rental OR video conferencing technology, snacks.