DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
BROCK: At a recent council meeting, Sharon Woodrow introduced her husband, Don Woodrow, and Reverend Jeanette Miller from Beaverton. Sharon provided a delegation, regarding The Witness Blanket, with an impactful exhibit, on display at Trinity-St. Andrew's United Church in Cannington, from September 7th to October 15th, 2025.
"This exhibit is a powerful tribute to the survivors of the residential school system and a reminder of our shared responsibility in Truth and Reconciliation," said Sharon Woodrow, during her presentation.
The Witness Blanket is a large-scale art installation, crafted from British Columbia Redwood Cedar. Measuring 12 metres in length, 3 metres in height, and weighing two tonnes, this exhibit is one of two travelling replicas of the original piece which is displayed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Created by, Vancouver Island artist, Carey Newman as a tribute to his father, a survivor of the residential school system, the Witness Blanket is an interactive collection of 800 items, gathered from former residential schools, churches, government buildings, and donations.
"Every piece in the exhibit tells a story, and together, they create a lasting testimony to the resilience of Indigenous communities," said Sharon Woodrow.
The exhibit serves as a call to bear witness to the history of Indigenous people in Canada and to encourage Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
During the presentation, Ms. Woodrow emphasized, the residential school system was anti-Indigenous. "We must recognize the harm which was done and commit to ensuring that history is not forgotten," she stated.
The request to council included: assistance in promoting the exhibit, participation in the opening and closing ceremonies, and providing any available QR code readers to enhance the interactive experience.
Following the delegation, councillors passed a resolution, moved by Councillor Angela Canavan and seconded by Councillor Cria Pettingill, in support of the exhibit. The resolution acknowledged the significance of the Witness Blanket, as part of the Truth and Reconciliation process, and committed the Township to promoting the event and participating in its ceremonies.
"The Township of Brock stands in support of this important exhibit, and we encourage our community to engage with this opportunity, for learning and reflection," said Councillor Canavan. The Witness Blanket exhibit offers a powerful opportunity for Brock Township residents to engage with Canada's history and contribute to the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
Comments