In 1996, the Aboriginal Rights Coalition worked with Indigenous elders and teachers to develop an interactive way of learning the history most Canadians are never taught. The Blanket Exercise was the result; it has since been offered thousands of times and the sixth edition was released in 2026 with the help and dedication of the Indigenous Advisory Circle.
How it works
The Blanket Exercise is based on using Indigenous methodologies and the goal is to build understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy.
Where and how
The Blanket Exercise itself takes about an hour and should always be followed by a talking circle which often requires at least another hour. With youth, ninety minutes for both the Blanket Exercise and debrief is sometimes feasible.
Please ensure you are working with one of our Indigenous Partners and Elders when offering this teaching tool in your place of employment or event.
In the past, organizations and groups booked blanket exercises through KAIROS’ KBE coordinators. Today KAIROS’ Indigenous Partners deliver blanket exercises for organizations and groups. Their fees vary, based on travel and other specific requirements for your organization. To find an Indigenous Partner near you please email us at KBE@kairoscanada.org.
KAIROS has also partnered with organizations, universities and government agencies to deliver the Blanket Exercise internally to staff. It is required that Indigenous Peoples lead the Blanket Exercise.
Virtual KAIROS Blanket Exercise
KAIROS has developed a virtual KAIROS Blanket Exercise workshop. This online session honours the experiential and participatory elements of the in-person KBE, while making adjustments for a safe experience in an online environment. Hosted by experienced KBE facilitators, the online session can accommodate groups between 20 and 45 people, and lasts about two hours. For more information on the virtual KBE, contact us by email.
Want to know more?
Vist the KAIROS Blanket Exercise Website, for general inquiries please email us at KBE@kairoscanada.org or to find out how to become a partner, email us at kbepartners@kairoscanada.org. Join our email list to be kept up to date.
As demand for KAIROS’ most popular teaching tool continues to grow, we are expanding our capacity to deliver the exercise in a good and safe way that ensures facilitators are well-trained, trauma informed and supported. As part of this expansion initiative, we are implementing changes to the KAIROS Blanket Exercise website including training that is standardized and a pathway for facilitators to become instructors.
