Experience history from an Indigenous perspective through a blanket exercise on Sept. 30

The City of Port Moody is pleased to invite the community to a free blanket exercise at the Old Mill Boathouse (2715 Esplanade Avenue) on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 1pm to 3:30pm. Registration is required and space is limited – visit portmoody.ca/signmeup today.

“September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which honours the children who died at or survived Residential Schools, and acknowledges the ongoing effects on individuals, families, and communities,” says Mayor Meghan Lahti. “On this day, if you can, I encourage you to participate in the blanket exercise. It’s an immersive experience that will broaden your awareness and understanding of the historical relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada. Through empathy and understanding, we can move forward together and achieve our shared goals for a healthy, inclusive, and vibrant community.”

During this two- to three-hour workshop, participants will step on blankets representing the land and into the role of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. They will be guided by trained facilitators, including Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers such as Sam George from Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Working from a script that covers pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, resistance, and much more, participants will read scrolls and respond to cues. The blanket exercise will conclude with a debriefing, conducted as a talking circle, during which participants discuss the learning experience, process their feelings, ask questions, share insights, and deepen their understanding.  

This event is open to anyone who is 14 years of age or older. Please note a parent’s or guardian’s signature is required if a participant is under 18 years of age.

Please keep the following in mind if you plan to attend:

• wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to take off your shoes;
• please do not bring objects/items (such as blankets) with you – these cannot be used as part of the blanket exercise;
• no late entry will be permitted;
• attendees are asked to stay for the full duration of the exercise;
• photography and video/audio recording will not be permitted.

If you plan to drive to the workshop, note that parking will be limited, and pay parking is in effect at nearby lots (Rocky Point Park lots and Esplanade Avenue from Rocky Point Park to Murray Street). This location is easily accessible by active modes of transportation – consider taking a bus or SkyTrain, and/or walking or going by bike or e-scooter.

If you have questions about the blanket exercise, please email Philipa Dutt, Manager of Indigenous Relations, at pdutt@portmoody.ca or call 604.763.4587.