The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) is now hosting a powerful, nationally touring exhibition.
The historic Witness Blanket display is centered on the creation of artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin'geme), which will remain open to the public through November 2026.
"The cedar-framed artwork uses hundreds of items collected from Indian Residential Schools, Survivors, churches, governments and other cultural sites across Canada," noted a media release from BCM&CC. "Each object carries a story and contributes to a visual testimony of the residential school system and its ongoing impacts."
The installation originates from the vision of Carey Newman, a versatile Indigenous artist, author, filmmaker, and master carver. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba, collaborated on the development of the Witness Blanket and continues to circulate the piece nationwide.
By encouraging visitors to examine the history and lingering impact of residential schools, the installation highlights their ongoing significance in modern society. Its display at the BCM&CC strengthens an active partnership with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Saugeen First Nation, while furthering the institution's commitment to community collaborations and Indigenous-led programming.
The 2026 showcase incorporates enhanced interpretive materials focused on the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, effectively bridging broader national history with local community contexts. Attendees can deepen their engagement through weekly community conversations, the new NishTalks panel series featuring Saugeen Ojibway Nation members discussing Indigenous cultures, arts, history, and languages, as well as a complimentary showing of the documentary Picking Up the Pieces on September 17.
Complementary educational initiatives will run alongside the installation, providing students and teachers with thoughtful, age-appropriate avenues to learn about residential school histories. Grounded in reflection, empathy, and mutual understanding, these guided learning opportunities aim to examine the lasting consequences of the system while supporting the collective process of reconciliation.
Additional details regarding the exhibition and its associated event calendar are available at brucemuseum.ca. The presentation of Witness Blanket is made possible through sponsorship from Enbridge, with appreciation from the BCM&CC staff and leadership.
