Why Everyone Should Experience the KAIROS Blanket Exercise

I attended the KAIROS Blanket Exercise last summer when I was a volunteer. To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what it was about at first—I thought it might be some kind of group activity. But after attending, I realized it was something very different—and very powerful.

The Blanket Exercise is actually a form of storytelling. It teaches the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The best part is, they don’t just stand there and tell you dates and facts like a typical history lesson. It’s not boring at all. The storytelling is done in a different, fun, and very interactive way that really pulls you in. In this exercise, you are part of the story, and it makes you feel connected to the history in a way books or videos can’t. That’s what made it so memorable for me.

Coming from India, I already knew a bit about what colonization can do to a country. India went through it too, and even today, the effects are still there. But before this exercise, I didn’t know much about how colonization happened here in Canada. Hearing the stories and seeing the history through this experience really opened my eyes. I could feel the pain, the loss, and the struggles Indigenous communities have faced—and still face today. It helped me understand their struggles after colonization and how their traditions were restricted, and how they were made to feel like their culture and way of living were not as important or “good” as others. Learning all these experiences made me understand diversity at a deeper level and made me more confident when talking with people from different cultures and backgrounds, because now I carry more understanding and empathy with me.

After attending, I started to feel that it’s so important to learn the history of the land we live on—especially when we’re new to the country. Canada is such a diverse place, and this exercise helped me understand that diversity in a deeper way.

I honestly think everyone should attend the KAIROS Blanket Exercise at least once—especially if it’s being offered for free (like at MPCPC lol, don’t miss out!). It’s such a valuable experience, and it really stays with you.

It’s especially important for people who work closely with communities—like students, security staff, or volunteers who are thinking about a career in law enforcement. You’ll likely be working directly with Indigenous communities, and this kind of understanding and empathy is something you can’t get from just reading a book or watching a video. This exercise gives you a deeper connection to the real stories and voices behind the history. - Kirpal Kaur