The Witness Blanket

The Witness Blanket is a monumental artwork by Carey Newman, of Kwakwaka’wakw/Stó:lo/settler heritage. As with most monuments, it is not intended as a work of art unto itself, but as a door through which hearts and minds can enter into a deeper understanding of the conditions that occasioned it. The Witness Blanket shines a light on the Canadian federal government’s assimilationist residential school policy (1870–1996) and honours and supports those it incarcerated, as well as family and community members who continue to be affected by the horrific legacies of these schools.

While the dating of the Witness Blanket is given as 2013–14, its impetus came in 2008 with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the TRC’s call for commemoration projects. In Newman and Cody Graham’s feature-length documentary Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket (2019), Newman asks, “For years I wondered, what could I do? Every idea I had was too small. But when I thought of travelling across Canada, collecting a piece from every residential school, my answer became the Witness Blanket.”

Now permanently installed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg (after an inaugural three-year tour of the country), the Witness Blanket continues to tour in “replicated portions.” Those who have seen reproductions of the permanent installation will not be disappointed in the touring version. Newman, who is a master carver, has taken care to replicate the exquisite wood framing that embraces the many and varied pieces collected from attendees and their families. I recommend those wishing to experience the Witness Blanket watch Newman and Graham’s video before viewing the exhibition (there’s a link on the NelsonMuseum’s website).

nelsonmuseum.ca