An art installation shining a light on the Indian Residential School era, while also honouring children and symbolizing ongoing reconciliation is back on Vancouver Island.
From now until Oct. 30th, those in Campbell River and beyond can find a replica of the ‘Witness Blanket’ displayed at Laichwiltach Family Life Society (LFLS) on Fourth Ave. The doors are open Monday to Saturday, from 10 am until 4 pm.
Inspired by a woven blanket, the large‐scale installation by Carey Newman is made from pieces of history – hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and other cultural structures all across Canada.
“He wanted to share the history of each of those little places. That’s what it represents,” LFLS executive director Audrey Wilson tells My Campbell River Now.
“It’s about educating around the history of residential schools.”
The cedar-framed artwork features hundreds of objects recovered from a total of 77 communities, Wilson explains.
She says Indigenous counsellors will be on hand throughout the duration of the exhibit. As well, there’s a video presentation on the big screen for those who stop by, offering a more in-depth look at the blanket.
“It’s really important that our kids today have an understanding of the history, but even adults and government agencies that work with our people. They need to have an understanding,” Wilson says.
Currently, the original blanket is undergoing conservation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, after touring around Canada for three years.
LFLS partnered with Vancouver Island Regional Library, Campbell River Arts Council, Campbell River Museum, and the City of Campbell River to bring the replica to town. This past summer, it was on display in Nanaimo, Wilson says. Next, it’s off to Victoria, Sooke, and Kamloops.
Orange Shirt Day Event – Sept. 30th:
It just so happens the ‘Witness Blanket’ is on display in Campbell River on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which is tomorrow (Sept. 30th).
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, people on Vancouver Island and across the country are asked to recognize the tragic history of loss while honouring Indigenous residential school survivors, their families, and communities.
Laichwiltach Family Life Society will host its 5th annual Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day Walk. “We’re having a big event downtown,” Wilson says. “We’re praying we’re going to have good weather.”
The event kicks off at 11:00 am at downtown’s Spirit Square, wrapping up at around 2:00 pm. An opening prayer, keynote speakers, speeches, and bagged lunches fill the schedule.
“It’s really important that people participate so that they understand what it’s all about,” adds Wilson.
Organizers ask that people follow COVID-19 protocols and practice safe distancing, mask-wearing, and hand sanitizing when in attendance. Find more details here.
