In commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) – in partnership with Nawash Board of Education, Saugeen Advocacy for Healing and Grey Bruce Community Legal Clinic (GBCLC) – will host Blanket Exercises during the month of September.
Two dates and locations are currently planned for the exercises:
Friday, September 22 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Walkerton Best Western
10 East Ridge Road, Walkerton, ON, N0G 2V0
Saturday, September 23 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON, N0H 2L0
The 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.
These exercises are open to all and free to attend. Each exercise will run for approximately 2.5 hours and will include a Talking Circle. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited — attendees are asked to pre-register at brucemuseum.ca and to bring their own blanket to participate in this exercise.
Proudly funded by the Government of Canada, in partnership with Nawash Board of Education, Saugeen Advocacy for Healing and Grey Bruce Community Legal Clinic (GBCLC).
These sessions contain subject matter that may be disturbing to some people and may be triggering. Emotional supports will be available onsite during each session. Attendees can also call 1-866-925-4419 or their local crisis line for counselling and support.
About the Blanket Exercise
Developed by KAIROS Canada, the 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.
