The Witness Blanket exhibit, some of which can be seen here, will be on display at Bruce County Museum until November 30, 2026.
Jane Glenn | 30 September 2026
The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) has announced the opening of ‘Witness Blanket,’ a nationally touring exhibition based on the work of artist Carey Newman.
Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art. It contains hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada.
The exhibition is based on the work of multidisciplinary Indigenous artist, master carver, filmmaker and author Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Hayalthkin'geme. The development of the Witness Blanket was in collaboration with and circulated by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the only museum in the world dedicated to the subject of human rights.
The cedar-framed artwork uses hundreds of items collected from Indian Residential Schools, survivors, churches, governments and other cultural sites across Canada. Each object carries a story and contributes to a visual testimony of the residential school system and its ongoing impacts.
Visitors can explore the objects and stories carried by the Witness Blanket and hear audio of survivors speaking about their experiences in residential schools. Their accounts offer insight into the realities of anti-Indigenous racism, colonialism and genocide and the ongoing harm caused by Canada’s residential school system.
Witness Blanket asks visitors to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and their continuing impact today and builds on the museum's work with Saugeen First Nation and Neyaashiinigmiing, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, collectively Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON).
The 2026 presentation includes expanded interpretation connected to SON, linking the national history to local experiences. Weekly community conversation sessions will offer visitors another way to engage with the exhibition. The new NishTalks series will also feature panel discussions with SON members on Indigenous languages, arts, cultures and history.
Educational programming will give students and educators age-appropriate ways to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools. Guided experiences which aim to center empathy, understanding and reflection will examine the lasting impacts of the residential school system and the ongoing work of reconciliation.
More information and resource guides are available at witnessblanket.ca.
The Witness Blanket exhibition will be on display at BCM&CC until November 30, 2026.
