This summer, residents will have a unique chance to gain insight into Indigenous culture and history like never before.
Coming to town this month is the Kairos Blanket Exercise, a method to build understanding of the shared history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples by walking through the history yourself. According to Kairos Canada, this exercise utilizes Indigenous methodologies to guide participants through different eras, from pre-contact to colonization and resistance. Throughout the entire experience, everyone involved will step onto blankets symbolizing the land and take on the role of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples. Kairos Canada explains that by engaging both emotions and intellect, this exercise effectively educates and promotes empathy.
Monica Halbesma, Carman’s public education safety coordinator, virtually took part in a Kairos Blanket Exercise. When she recognized the potential to offer it to the community of Carman, she eagerly seized it. Halbesma then applied for a Healthy Together Now grant from Southern Health-Sante Sud to bring this exercise to town with no charge for participants. Fortunately, her application was approved and the necessary funds were granted.
“It’s part of reconciliation,” she said. “Getting to know what happened in the past so we can heal from that and move forward.”
On May 29, Braving the Healing will be leading the Kairos Blanket Exercise at the Carman Community Hall, beginning at 10 a.m. The exercise itself takes approximately an hour, and is followed by an hour-long talking circle.
Viola Plett, the lead facilitator for this event, is a survivor of the 60’s Scoop. As the oldest of four children, Plett and her siblings were taken from their parents in January 1962. Despite the hardships she has faced, Plett has reclaimed her Indigenous identity and is actively rediscovering her language and culture. Additionally, she serves as a board member for The Attachment Network and shares her Indigenous stories with students in her local school district.
At the upcoming Kairos Blanket Exercise in Carman, Carolyn Moar will serve as the Elder. With over 25 years of traditional walking experience and 30 years of community work, she is a highly respected figure. Her expertise in leading Kairos Blanket Exercises has made her a sought-after educator for groups such as the City of Winnipeg, River East School Division, and many others. Through her teachings, Moar powerfully conveys the enduring strength, love, and welcoming nature of Indigenous peoples both historically and in present times.
The exercise’s co-facilitator, Mat Pilgrim, is a valued member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and has faced discrimination while living in rural Manitoba. His diverse life experiences allow him to bring empathy and insight to his work. In addition, he has extensive experience in theater and administrative roles, and as a fourth-generation descendant of a Mennonite colonizer, Pilgrim places great significance on truth and reconciliation.
The Kairos Blanket Exercise is open to everyone at no cost, although registration is necessary through the Carman Dufferin website. All individuals, regardless of background, are invited to join. A minimum of 20 participants is required for the exercise, with a maximum capacity of 40 people.
“It really puts in perspective all the things Indigenous people have gone through and how they’ve had to heal,” said Halbesma.
