Witness to Injustice Blanket Exercise: Unraveling U.S. and Indigenous History

Using participatory education to foster truth, understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, the Blanket Exercise is a unique two to three hour interactive group. Since its inception, this has been a powerful tool for participants to learn of the Indigenous experiences and historical impact for the past 500 years.

Participants are invited to experience colonization, conquest and attempted genocide of the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, especially in the territory stewarded by people of the Onondaga Nation and other Haudenosaunee Nations. This exercise is designed to raise awareness of European conquest, Indigenous resistance and survival through the use of meaningful quotes and blankets representing the lands of Turtle Island. Participants engage and explore this shared history, that non-Indigenous peoples rarely learn or cannot be provided by reading a book, attending a class or even Indigenous events.

“Since much of our Indigenous history is minimally taught and not accurately, the Witness to Injustice Blanket Exercise is a good way to help people learn about these events and share their feelings about what occurred,” shared Freida Jacques, Onondaga Nation Turtle Clanmother.

After the Witness to Injustice Exercise, participants have the opportunity to share with the group what they learned, felt and more, while resources are shared by facilitators to help participants continue their education.

Registration

Please note, event space is limited. To register, please email Diane Schenandoah, Honwadiyenawa’sek (One who helps them.), of the Barnes Center at The Arch. Location will be provided after registering.

Facilitators

Led by Cindy Squillace of Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON).