Understanding can lead to compassion, and it starts by walking in someone else's moccasins, at least enough to squirm a little.
The Grade 7/8's at Beacon spent some time doing just that.
As part of the Canadian History unit, Steve van de Hoef, a representative of the Christian Reformed Church of North America led the classes in a Blanket Exercise, where the blankets are used to represent the land of Canada.
As historical events occurred, blankets were folded, moved,
taken or infected with various diseases affecting the First Nations people living on the land.
Through this exercise students got a better sense of what the Indian Act meant, what residential schools did and what reservations are.
Using quotes from various First Nations people, students achieved some understanding of the impact of the choices they are studying now in history and its long lasting impact, still felt today.
Click here for more information on the blanket exercise.
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