Prince George, B.C.
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is honoured to host The Witness Blanket, a powerful national monument created by artist Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Ha̱yałka̱ng̱a̱me’, that recognizes the experiences of Survivors of residential schools and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
The Witness Blanket stands as a national monument to recognize the atrocities of the Indian residential school era, honour the children, and symbolize ongoing reconciliation.
The exhibition will be on display at the CNC Quesnel Campus from November 5 to 21, 2025, and at the CNC Prince George Campus from November 27 to December 30, 2025.
The opening event at the Quesnel campus is a collaboration between the Quesnel Tillicum Society and CNC, and it is open to both the college community and the public. The purpose of the event is to honour all survivors of residential schools and to provide a safe space for Elders to share their stories and experiences.
The event will focus on education, reflection, and community connection. It will take place on November 13, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with food served at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Details for the Prince George opening event will be announced soon.
CNC is privileged to display this important work on the traditional territories of the Lhtako Dene Nation in Quesnel and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in Prince George.
Created from 887 reclaimed and donated objects from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and cultural structures across Canada, The Witness Blanket stands as a symbol of national reconciliation. Each item—photographs, letters, bricks, and fragments of everyday life—represents stories of strength, resilience, and remembrance.
“The Witness Blanket helps us connect to truth in ways that are both emotional and educational,” said Dr. Jessie King, CNC’s Vice President, Indigenization. “When we take time to listen, to reflect, and to talk with one another, we create space for healing and understanding—one story, one person, and one community at a time.”
CNC will also show the documentary Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of The Witness Blanket, which follows artist Carey Newman’s journey in creating this monumental project.
Members of the public, Survivors, Elders, students, and local community organizations are warmly invited to visit The Witness Blanket during its time at CNC. Admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to take time to reflect, learn, and share in this collective act of remembrance and reconciliation.
“We hope this exhibit will bring people together,” added Dr. King. “Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to it, each visit offers a new opportunity to witness, to listen, and to honour the truths held within these pieces.”
About The Witness Blanket
Inspired by his father’s experiences at a residential school, artist Carey Newman, Ha̱yałka̱ng̱a̱me’, of Kwakwaka’wakw, Coast Salish, and English-Irish heritage travelled across Canada in 2013–14 to collect items that tell stories of loss, strength, reconciliation, and pride. The result is The Witness Blanket, a large-scale installation that embodies the universal symbol of the blanket—as protection, comfort, and belonging—and invites all who view it to bear witness to Canada’s shared history.
About the College of New Caledonia
The College of New Caledonia has served the central interior of British Columbia since 1969 with campuses in Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, and Burns Lake. CNC offers a wide range of programs and services that respond to the diverse needs of students, industry, and communities across northern B.C.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Holly Plato
Manager, Communications and Advancement
College of New Caledonia
media@cnc.bc.ca | +1 778 349 5634