Witness Blanket art installation.

A major exhibition examining the legacy of Canada’s residential school system is now on display in Brampton as part of National Indigenous History Month programming.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, commonly known as PAMA, is hosting the Witness Blanket exhibition through Sept. 6, bringing the nationally recognized installation to the city alongside a series of Indigenous-focused events and workshops throughout June.

The travelling exhibition is based on the work of Indigenous artist Carey Newman and was developed in collaboration with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Inspired by the form of a woven blanket, the large-scale installation includes photographic reproductions of hundreds of objects recovered from former residential school sites, churches, government buildings and cultural spaces from 77 communities across Canada.

Organizers say the exhibition is intended to recognize the harms caused by the residential school system, honour survivors and children affected by the institutions, and encourage ongoing conversations around truth and reconciliation.

The exhibit also includes recorded stories and reflections from survivors describing their experiences in residential schools and the lasting impacts of colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism.

More than 130 residential schools operated across Canada for over a century as part of a government policy aimed at assimilating Indigenous children and dismantling Indigenous cultures and communities.

PAMA said the exhibition addresses difficult subject matter, including racism, abuse and genocide, and visitors are encouraged to take breaks if needed while viewing the installation.

The Brampton museum invites residents from across Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area to visit the exhibit during National Indigenous History Month and to participate in related educational programming throughout June.

The Witness Blanket exhibition is on display at PAMA, located on Wellington Street East in downtown Brampton.

 


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