The Blanket Exercise, originally created by KAIROS in collaboration with Indigenous communities in Canada, is an interactive learning experience that raises awareness of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the United States.
Based on real-life experiences, the Blanket Exercise is designed to increase knowledge about the laws, policies and programs used during nation building by having participants literally walk through U.S. history.
Narration is provided while role assignments are designated for each participant. Blankets on the floor represent land taken, reassigned or designated for Indigenous peoples and settlers. Participants are provided with the opportunity to form a common historical memory and begin a conversation about how we can build intercultural bridges together.
The session concludes with a time for debriefing and discussion.
