Welcome to Beyond Blankets: A Stó:lō Lands Exercise
Beyond Blankets: A Stó:lō Lands Exercise is an interactive educational experience developed by Dr. Keith Thor Carlson, staff, and students at the University of the Fraser Valley's (UFV) Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC) in response to a request from Hi:olemtel (Grand Chief Clarence "Kat" Pennier).
Hi:olemtel envisioned an experiential learning activity that would deepen understanding of Stó:lō culture, history, and relationships to land, while acknowledging the impacts of settler colonialism and highlighting the resilience and resurgence of the Stó:lō people. Drawing upon the teachings and voices of Stó:lō Elders and Knowledge Keepers (past and present) Beyond Blankets offers participants an opportunity to engage with local history through movement, storytelling, and shared learning.
Grounded in Stó:lō perspectives, the exercise is intended to help participants build a stronger understanding of place, reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and consider how they can contribute to respectful relationships with Stó:lō communities and the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Who should participate?
Beyond Blankets is designed for adult learners seeking a deeper understanding of Stó:lō history, culture, relationships to land, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. The exercise is well suited for educators, post-secondary institutions, workplaces, government, non-profit organizations, community groups, and others interested in advancing learning around reconciliation.
The current version of the exercise is designed for adult participants and is not currently offered to elementary or secondary school groups. Age-specific versions are under development.
Topics explored in Beyond Blankets
Through interactive role-play, storytelling, and movement across blankets that represent Stó:lō history, participants will explore:
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Core elements of Stó:lō culture and lifeways
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Stó:lō sxwoxwiyam (origin and transformer stories) and sqwelqwel (history)
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The impacts of smallpox epidemics
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The fur trade and Stó:lō prophesy
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The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush and colonialism in the Fraser Valley
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The cumulative effects of colonialism over time
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Residential Schools and policies of assimilation
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Stó:lō resilience and resurgence
As an educational exercise, Beyond Blankets explores historical and contemporary realities that many participants may find emotionally difficult, including Residential Schools, epidemics, displacement, racism, violence, abuse and the cumulative impacts of colonialism. Participants may experience a range of emotional responses, particularly those with lived or intergenerational connections to these histories.
We encourage booking organizations to prepare participants in advance by sharing the nature of the exercise and the themes it explores, and to consider what internal supports may be appropriate before and after the session. PARC facilitators guide participants through the educational experience with care but are not counsellors, therapists, or crisis response professionals.
Learn what to expect in Beyond Blankets
Beyond the Blanket: What's Next?
Resources and tools for carrying the teachings forward.