Today in class we did an exercise by Kairos with the instruction of Dr. Sims. The exercise uses a game type format to model the effects of colonization visually and physically on Indigenous communities. The Exercise is done using blankets, cards, and scripts. It is potentially very impactful and emotional, so Dr. Sims cautioned our class with proper training and the use of supports such as counsellors if we were desiring to do the exercise with future classes. As the exercise progressed, the blankets we stood on were folded up and taken away to symbolize the lost lands of Indigenous people. Many of the people with cards were removed from the group as they symbolized the Indigenous population lost to diseases, murder, and residential schools. After the exercise we engaged in class discussion via a talking circle, and we realized that the exercise was impactful and taught us a lot about the effects of colonization on Indigenous people. Something that really struck me was the lack of significant steps towards regaining the losses of language and culture sustained by Indigenous groups. This really struck me as I had to consider just how little it appears has been done for Indigenous people in terms of cultural revival and action towards the wrongs that have been committed against them. Many of my classmates were also surprised at how much more they were able to connect with the wrongs committed against Indigenous peoples in Canada through the physical interaction of the exercise. The impact of this exercise had many of my classmates in tears and allowed us to be more vulnerable with each other as we discussed these difficult issues. I hope this informs my teaching by allowing me to give people space to share their stories and also that I would remember the power of differentiation in lessons and how I can reach students powerfully in ways that I may not always consider. I can see that this exercise would be a great representation of the issues face by Indigenous peoples though using the age appropriate version of the exercise and having the right supports in place to help students deal with these challenging and painful topics.
