This is the third time EES has brought the Blanket Exercise to its school; the first time was for staff during Pro D day in August 2023; and students from Grades 4/5 and Grades 6/7 participated in two other sessions during the 2023-2024 school year.
This important exercise brings together many participants from various backgrounds and experiences. Through interactive critical service learning, participants learn about colonization and the historical relationship between the British Crown and First Nations; land mass belonging to First Nations (100%; now less than 0.2%); the impact of the Indian Act; Residential Schools; child welfare; the Sixties Scoop, to name a few.
The teachers prepped their students prior to participation during class time to learn more about these important issues.
The blanket exercise began with a opening circle and a closing circle whereby participants were able to articulate their prior knowledge and the impact the blanket exercise had on them.