The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an experiential workshop that explores the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Blankets arranged on the floor represent land and participants are invited to step into the roles of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. The workshop helps people to understand how the colonization of this land impacts those who were here long before settlers arrived. It engages people’s minds and hearts in understanding why the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is often broken and how we can take action together.
Over the past two decades, thousands of KAIROS Blanket Exercises have been delivered in Canada and around the world, including in the United States, Central and South America, Europe, and Australia. By engaging participants on both emotional and intellectual levels, the KBE both educates and creates empathy and understanding.
At this event facilitators Tina Savea & Lillian Underwood will also share their personal stories of overcoming abuse, stereotypes, the loss of loved ones, moving forward in forgiveness and finding hope for their family’s future.
Light refreshments will be provided - please bring a water bottle if you have one, and slippers or socks, as we will be removing our shoes.
Cost: $25 (see link below to register online, or contact the office to hold your place)
Hosted by the ReconciliACTION Oak Bay network
See the video below for an overview of the Blanket Exercise, from KAIROS Canada...
Facilitator Bios
Tina Savea is Saulteaux/Cree from Peepeekisis First Nation on Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. She resides on traditional WSÁNEĆ territory with her husband Niu and their three children.
Hilarious & vulnerable, Tina Savea has a unique gift to make you cry one minute and laugh out loud the next. She has a strong desire to see others embrace healing through understanding the true history of her people in Canada. Tina loves facilitating the Kairos Blanket Exercise and is committed to sharing the freedom she has found through forgiveness and personal responsibility. She Shares openly about the pain of losing her father and how finding her voice was the beginning of her healing journey. Tina is passionate about breaking down judgments that destroy relationship and building strong communities where every person is valued and equipped with the leadership skills they need to move forward in life
Lillian Underwood is Southern Tutchone from Kluane First Nation in the Yukon Territory. She resides on Tsawout First Nation, WSÁNEĆ territory with her husband and their two beautiful daughters.
Courageous, bold and intuitive, Lillian is a deeply spiritual woman who seeks below the surface to uncover the boundaries that hold you back and encourages you to believe for the impossible. She is passionate about exploring the roots of the beliefs that shape our lives. Through sharing her personal journey, Lillian communicates how she overcame childhood abuse, phobias, lack of self-worth and overwhelming debt to live today debt-free and empowering others to live their dreams. Lillian’s story will inspire hope in every heart that is open to change.