Inspired by a woven blanket, this large-scale work of art created by artist Carey Newman contains hundreds of items reclaimed from Residential Schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from communities across Canada.
Each item was donated and received with care and, where appropriate, in ceremony. They carry the past into the present so that we may bear witness. We welcome the community to explore new or different perspectives and lived experiences through this 880-object art piece.
The Witness Blanket is displayed at the RCMP Heritage Centre as an act of Reconciliation. As the enforcement arm of the government, the RCMP acted as truant officers for Residential Schools and enforced policies like the Indian Act, which attempted to suppress and assimilate Indigenous Peoples.
We acknowledge this part of Canada’s history and invite the community to explore new or different perspectives and lived experiences, through this powerful art piece.
The Witness Blanket exhibit will be available to the public (can be booked by classrooms) until March 15, 2023. People who identify as Indigenous are permitted to see the Witness Blanket free of charge.
For Visiting Classrooms
Classrooms are invited to experience the Witness Blanket at the Heritage Centre free of charge. Supplemental programming will be provided to your classroom, at no cost, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Co-op Refinery Complex.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for providing us with this travelling exhibit and resources. Much of the content in our visitor guide can be found on their website (listed below).
We thank our Elders for their guidance and support in welcoming and presenting the Witness Blanket.
For more information about Carey Newman or the Witness Blanket, check out witnessblanket.ca
For more information on RCMP Heritage Centre and our Educational programs, contact info@rcmphc.com