Witness Blanket Exhibition Opens at Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

The Witness Blanket is a nationally touring exhibition based on the work of artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin'geme). Now on view through November 2026, the exhibit takes inspiration from a woven blanket.
Interior view of The Witness Blanket exhibit at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. Large wooden panels arranged in a curved display feature hundreds of objects and images collected from residential schools, churches, governments, and Indigenous communities

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) announces the opening of Witness Blanket, a nationally touring exhibition based on the work of artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin'geme). Now on view through November 2026, the exhibit takes inspiration from a woven blanket. 

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.

The exhibition is based on the work of multidisciplinary Indigenous artist, master carver, filmmaker and author Carey Newman. The development of the Witness Blanket was in collaboration with, and circulated by, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Witness Blanket invites visitors to engage with the history and legacy of residential schools while considering their continued relevance today. Its presentation at the BCM&CC builds on ongoing collaboration with Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, as well as the Museum's commitment to Indigenous-led exhibitions, programs and community partnerships.

For its 2026 presentation, the exhibition features expanded interpretation related to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, helping connect national histories to local experiences. Visitors can further explore the exhibition through weekly community conversation sessions, and a free screening of the Witness Blanket documentary Picking Up the Pieces on September 17. There is also the the new NishTalks series, including panel discussions with Saugeen Ojibway Nation members exploring Indigenous languages, arts, cultures and history.

Educational programming will accompany the exhibition, offering students and educators opportunities to engage with the history and legacy of residential schools in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. Through guided learning experiences grounded in empathy, understanding, and reflection, participants will explore the lasting impacts of residential schools and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. 

For details about the exhibition and upcoming related programming, visit brucemuseum.ca.

Enbridge proudly presents Witness Blanket and the BCM&CC thanks them for their support.