Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Witness Blanket, a powerful travelling exhibition, threads together the voices, memories,
and histories of survivors of the residential school system. Now open at the Canadian Museum
of History, the installation serves as a poignant testament to resilience, reconciliation, and
remembrance.

The exhibition features a life-size photographic replica of Indigenous artist Carey Newman’s
original work, a striking mosaic of hundreds of objects gathered from residential schools,
churches, and communities across Canada. It mirrors the structure of a woven blanket, a
symbol of warmth and protection, yet its pieces carry the cold weight of loss, resilience, and
intergenerational trauma.

“The Witness Blanket is a powerful call to action,” said Caroline Dromaguet, President and CEO
of the Canadian Museum of History. “This exhibition exemplifies our commitment to amplifying
Indigenous voices and fostering a better understanding of the impacts of the residential school
system.”

This commitment is reflected not only in the installation itself but in the interactive elements that
surround it. Visitors can listen to survivor testimonies through touchscreen kiosks, explore
interpretive panels, and engage in a response activity. A quiet space invites reflection, offering
an augmented reality artwork that deepens the immersive experience. The museum will also
screen the documentary “Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket” at CINÉ+,
offering an intimate look at the creation of this work and the stories that shape it.

For educators, the museum has developed “Listening to Truths: Survivor Testimonies, Art and
Reconciliation,” a half-day program that integrates the exhibition with hands-on activities and a
documentary screening. Running now till May 1, it invites students to engage deeply with these
histories, encouraging dialogue and understanding among younger generations.

The Witness Blanket exhibition will remain at the Canadian Museum of History until May 5.
Photo: The Witness Blanket, a powerful travelling exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History,
weaves together survivor stories and artifacts to honour resilience, foster reconciliation, and
educate visitors on the lasting impacts of the residential school system. (TF) Photo: Aaron
Cohen, CMHR