News and Events

First Nation Blanket Exercise is offered as a special Workshop this year. The blanket exercise is a teaching tool that uses participatory popular education to raise awareness of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It teaches a history of Canada that most people never learn. Since its creation in 1997, it has been done hundreds of times with thousands of people of all ages and from all backgrounds, by a wide variety of groups that include Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It is a way to open, or continue, the conversation about decolonization. The exercise is designed to deepen understanding of the denial of Indigenous peoples’ nationhood throughout Canadian history. It explores the major themes and recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), examines how federal policies and programs impact the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and identifies what Indigenous peoples and their allies are doing to bring about positive change. 

*This workshop is 1.5 hours and is offered on Friday May 26, 2017.

Friday, May 26, 2017

A drumming group performs and will speak on the significance of a Drumming Circle

• First Nation Youth Drumming Circle – Amiskwaciy School - The vision of Amiskwaciy Academy is to honour the Aboriginal community and reflect its cultures, values, ancestral knowledge and traditions in achieving excellence in education.  “Drum rhythms reach deep into the memories of the ancient brain that goes back before recorded time.  Drums pulse the wisdom of the ages, they are the first in time and first in line.  As the drum connects your heartbeat with Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth), inner chatter is instantly quieted, and a peaceful meditative state is often the result.” Shannon Thunderbird.