Witness Blanket exhibit opening ceremony set for November 1

Lloydminster, AB/SK – The community is invited to explore the history and lasting impacts of Canada's residential school system through the Witness Blanket exhibit, with an opening ceremony taking place Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lloydminster Museum + Archives (LMA).

The opening ceremony will feature music, speeches, refreshments, and an opportunity for attendees to explore the exhibit, reflect on the experiences of residential school survivors, and learn more about an important part of Canada's history.

The exhibit will be on display at LMA from November 1 to December 31, 2026.

Created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Ha-Yalth-Kin-Geme, the original Witness Blanket is a powerful installation that brings together hundreds of objects connected to residential schools and the people and communities affected by them.

Between 2013 and 2014, Newman and his team travelled across Canada, collecting donated and reclaimed items from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and cultural structures. The project brought together 887 pieces of history, each contributing to a collective story of loss, resilience, reconciliation, and cultural identity.

Inspired by the residential school experiences of Newman's father, Victor, the Witness Blanket uses the symbolism of a blanket to represent protection, comfort, and connection. Each object serves as a witness to the experiences of those affected by the residential school system, preserving their stories for future generations.

The travelling exhibit featured at LMA is a photographic replica of the original Witness Blanket, which remains in Winnipeg. Through high-resolution images of the original installation, visitors can experience the artwork and its stories without the physical artifacts being present.

The exhibit encourages visitors to reflect on the importance of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation, while recognizing the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

Community members are encouraged to attend the opening ceremony and take time to experience the exhibit.

Event details