Witness Blanket
Inspired by a woven blanket, this large‐scale art installation by Carey Newman is made from pieces of history – hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and other cultural structures all across Canada.
More than 800 items from 77 communities were gathered for this artwork. They include letters, photos, stories, books, clothing, art and fragments of buildings.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was involved in the creation of the piece, and hosted this exhibition between December 2015 and June 2016 at its Level 6 Expressions gallery.
The Nanaimo Harbourfront branch hosted a replica of the blanket between June and September 2021.
VIRL joined forces with the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, Campbell River Arts Council, Campbell River Museum and City of Campbell River – City Hall to bring the replica of the Witness Blanket to Campbell River September 20 – October 30, 2021.
Past Events
Sept 3rd: Picking Up the Pieces: the Making of the Witness Blanket and q + a with artist Carey Newman. For those who were unable to make it, we obtained permission from Carey to record the question and answer period that took place after the film. You can find the video here: