Temporary Exhibits
The Witness Blanket
July 20-Sept. 4, 2026 | Included with regular admission
The Witness Blanket is a powerful art installation created by master carver Carey Newman to recognize the atrocities of the residential school era, honour
the children and symbolize ongoing reconciliation.
Inspired by a woven blanket, this cedar-framed artwork is made of hundreds of items from Indian residential schools, Survivors, churches, governments and cultural sites across Canada. Each item tells a story of loss, strength, resilience and pride.
The Witness Blanket is permanently on display at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, MB, after having toured across Canada for three years. Two reproductions have been created to offer to other venues, allowing the Blanket’s Stories and messages to continue to be shared. In these wood-framed reproductions, direct-printed wood panels take the place of the original artifacts and interior frames.
Film screening
The Museum is hosting two screenings, July 26 & Aug. 16, of the feature documentary film Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket. The film weaves the stories of objects in the Witness Blanket with Newman’s personal journey, and examines how art can open our hearts to the pain of truth and the beauty of resilience.
Included with regular admission or FREE with a Museum membership or Huron County Library card. Space is limited, so reserve your seat online.
Learn more
Learn more about the stories behind The Witness Blanket by picking up a copy of The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation from the Museum Gift Shop.
The book offers a collection of truths about what happened at residential schools, but also offers a beacon of hope and a step on the journey toward reconciliation.
Available for purchase from the Museum during regular hours of operation. Cost: $24.95+tax