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The City of Abbotsford runs regular conferences and experiences on topics such as homelessness, seniors, health, and, in this case, Indigenous history. A conference on this was held a few months ago, but on Wednesday the 17th we did something different.

We were all asked to bring a blanket and to wear socks. From 8:30 onwards, we formed a circle of chairs, where we began the exercise. Then we all stood on a blanket, one each. The blankets filled the circle and overlapped slightly. The nature of the First Nations—their culture, laws, communities, and customs—was very briefly described. Then the Europeans arrived, at first just moving among us (the First Nations), learning about the land, and trading.

But after 1812, things began to change. The number of settlers increased, and land began to be taken. Each of us found that our blankets were getting smaller. Then disease broke out, and half of us left the land and returned to our seats, representing our ancestors. Those left found that the Indian Act severely restricted their movement and other rights, such as voting and legal representation. The exercise showed these and other pressures and forms of repression on First Nations; it was very moving.

At the start, two of the women had been given dolls to hold. We guessed what was coming next, and sure enough, one doll was taken and removed from the circle to a place outside. This illustrated the time of the residential schools. Then the Sixties Scoop was enacted. The woman holding the second doll was forced to give it up but acted out resistance. (These children were fostered, and some had a very difficult time.) But we could all see that it was more than acting. It was upsetting for this woman and for all of us.

This part of the exercise ended with stories of how Indigenous voices and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have made Canada aware of the need for education and reform.

In our circle, each of us was able to share our reactions, along with some powerful testimonies. I, for one, left feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the experience, but very grateful to have had it. If I get the chance, I will do it again.

Dick Martin