The Lloydminster Museum and Archives is preparing to open a new exhibit highlighting the history and lasting impact of Canada’s residential school system.
The Witness Blanket will be on display from November 1 to December 3, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of residential school survivors and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
Created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Hayalth-Kin-Gem, the original Witness Blanket was inspired by the residential school experiences of his father, Victor Newman. The installation features 887 objects collected from residential schools, churches, government buildings and cultural sites across Canada. Each item represents a story of loss, resilience, reconciliation and cultural identity.
Between 2013 and 2014, Newman and his team travelled across the country collecting donated and reclaimed objects connected to survivors and communities affected by the residential school system. The resulting artwork has become one of Canada’s most recognized reconciliation projects.
The Lloydminster exhibit features a photographic replica of the original Witness Blanket, which remains in Winnipeg. Using high-resolution images, visitors can explore the installation and learn the stories behind the objects that make up the artwork.
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