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Blanket Exercise Workshop - National Indigenous Peoples Day
The Blanket Exercise is intended to introduce Canadians and Indigenous peoples to major historical events in Canadian history, raise awareness of continuing injustices and impacts of colonization, and promote further learning.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Ages 7 and up.
Beginner Friendly – Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
FREE
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Beaches Sandbox has partnered with HOPES Indigenous Training Network for a day of free activities for all ages.
Created in 1997 by Indigenous peoples and allies, the Blanket Exercise was intended to introduce Canadians and Indigenous peoples to major historical events in Canadian history, raise awareness of continuing injustices and impacts of colonization, and promote further learning.
Participants will step into the roles of Indigenous peoples as they step on to the blankets (e.g. Indigenous territories) as we walk through 500 years of colonial history.
We recommend registering in advance to secure your spot. Drop-ins welcome if space permits.
Participants are also invited to enjoy complimentary strawberry drink, scones and maple butter from Catering by Candace (while supplies last).
Beaches Sandbox is an accessible facility, all are welcome! See the full schedule of National Indigenous Peoples Day activities at Beaches Sandbox here. Pre-registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Dawn T Maracle and Cheryl Cress, Facilitators
Dawn T Maracle
Dawn T Maracle, M. Ed. is the founder and Executive Director of the nationally registered not-for-profit HOPES (Healing Our Peoples through Education, Sports, and Social justice) Indigenous Training Network. A Mohawk who sits with the Bear Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Dawn was first exposed to Haudenosaunee culture and language by her grandmother, Beaulah Hill, whom she lived with as a child. An early teacher was hereditary Chief Jacob Thomas along with many Haudenosaunee and Indigenous Elders, Traditional Teachers and Knowledge carriers from across Canada and around the globe.
Dawn T Maracle obtained a BAH from Trent University in Native Studies, a B. Ed. from Queen’s University in Aboriginal Teacher Education (ATEP), an M.Ed. from OISE in Adult and Indigenous Education, and a Certificate in Indigenous Trauma-Informed Care from OFIFC-U of T. She has taught Indigenous Studies, and consulted on Indigenous issues, diversity and inclusion over three decades.
Cheryl Cress
Cheryl Cress is a first generation Canadian of Scottish and English parents. She has been working with Cat for 9 years, providing administrative support, attending ceremonies, speaking events, advisory meetings and conferences. Cat and Cheryl co-facilitate experiences for adult and youth learners from across a vast spectrum of cultures, faiths and knowledge bases.
Cancellation Policy
This is a free event. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please let us know and we will open your spot to someone else.
Activities For All!
Beaches Sandbox offers a wide variety of high-quality programming. Our goal is for everyone to be able to participate in these programs, regardless of their financial status. The Beaches Sandbox Financial Assistance Program is put in place to allow those who otherwise could not afford to participate, access to all programs offered at the centre.
