The sun warmed the TI̸X̱EN peninsula and the guests fortunate to be there taking part in the Blanket Exercise on Monday, April 23.
After Tsawout Council member Toby Joseph welcomed guests with a prayer, Lillian Underwood and Tina Savea facilitated the emotional two-hour reconciliation exercise, which broadly highlighted how Indigenous land was taken during colonization.
The exercise is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the mutual trust and respect, acknowledge history and promote the wellbeing of future generations. The morning brought together representatives from Tsawout, Central Saanich Council and staff, Central Saanich Police Service, Central Saanich Fire Department, Capital Regional District's First Nations Relations team, Sidney RCMP, the Coast Guard, Town of Sidney, and local members of the business community.
Participants prepared for the experience by introducing themselves and describing how they were feeling.
Vulnerable. Honoured. Hopeful. Inspired. Curious. Excited. Grateful.
The blankets begin to shrink as participants read about how the European culture and worldview became imposed as the land was slowly taken over by settlers, through various means, including intentional illness passed to the communities on blankets, and through direct violence. Half the participants learn they represent the First Nations whom died of small pox, and they return to their seats.
Participants listen to how First Nations' cultural and spiritual practices were outlawed and attempts at assimilation resulted in cultural genocide.
The remaining participants learn they represent First Nation, Métis and Inuit children taken from their families and placed in Residential Schools. The facilitators described the children's experiences at the schools, and the impact it had, and continues to have, on the children who survived, their families and their communities.
At the end of the exercise only a few people remain on blankets which have been folded into small bundles and cover only a fraction of their original area. However small corners of the blankets are unfolded in recognition of the leadership being displayed in Canada by young Indigenous people.
“The experience is important for enlightenment and understanding of what Indigenous peoples endured post-colonialism," said Mayor Ryan Windsor. "With the understanding comes hope for a better future together.”
"A lot of people know the history of the First Nations people with the head," said Lillian Underwood. "What happens with the blanket exercise is it moves from their head to their heart."
The group then shared personal stories and reflections, and discussed healing and the need for unity, understanding and respect.
