On November 7, the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights were delighted to host an evening of art and reconciliation, coming together with the Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Foundation, the University of Victoria along with Master Carver Carey Newman to share the inspiring journey and future of The Witness Blanket.
Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a 12×2-metre work of art by Newman, a Kwagiulth and Coast Salish artist, featuring hundreds of objects gathered from Indian residential schools, survivors, churches, government buildings and other cultural sites across Canada. It stands as a national monument to recognize the atrocities of the Indian residential school era, honour the children and symbolize ongoing reconciliation. As part of a groundbreaking agreement that brought together Indigenous oral traditions with western legal practices, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has become the home of the Witness Blanket, responsible alongside Newman for its use and protection moving forward.
Throughout the evening, we heard about the process of creating the Witness Blanket, efforts to secure its immediate future and exciting announcements about new ventures that will expand its impact and legacy
Thanks again to all those who were able to join us – please take a minute and find yourself in the photos below. If you are interested in learning how you can be involved in this important movement for hope and reconciliation, please reach out to us today!
