The Witness to Injustice / KAIROS Blanket Exercise™ is a unique 2 ½-3-hour interactive group teaching tool. It uses participatory education to foster truth, understanding, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the part of the world now known as the United States; especially in the territory stewarded by people of the Onondaga Nation and other Haudenosaunee peoples. 

Our program can be done in-person or virtually by using meaningful quotes and visual representations of each part of the history we speak of.  When done in person, blankets cover the floor, representing the various Indigenous Nations of this continent (Turtle Island).  We explore this shared history that people rarely learn in school or other settings. The Exercise helps participants deepen their understanding about the European colonization of Turtle Island and the denial of Indigenous peoples’ nationhood and the (many times illegal) acquisition of land throughout U.S. history up to present time. After the Witness to Injustice Exercise, participants have the opportunity to share with the group what they learned, felt, etc., and, resources are shared by facilitators to help participants continue to learn more. 

We hope this program will stimulate deep discussions and reflections, and will point the way toward ongoing steps toward righting the wrongs which have been done. Join Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) and Haudenosaunee facilitators as we participate in learning and dialogue through this exercise.