Witness Blanket Opening Ceremony

Installation opening ceremony and feast. “A blanket where the story of each piece is as important to its construction as the wood and screws that hold it.” The blanket is a universal symbol of protection. For many of us, it identifies who we are and where we’re from – we wear them in ceremony and give them as gifts. Blankets protect our young and comfort our elders. Inspired by a woven blanket, we have created a large scale art installation, made out of hundreds of items reclaimed from Residential Schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures including Friendship Centres, band offices, treatment centres and universities, from across Canada. The Witness Blanket stands as a national monument to recognise the atrocities of the Indian Residential School era, honour the children, and symbolise ongoing reconciliation. Over the past 18 months our project team has traveled all over the country collecting pieces from every province and territory. These “Gathering Trips” have allowed us to meet thousands of Canadians from every walk of life and gather 894 Pieces of History along the way. Please join us in ceremony of the opening of this important and impactful installation. Everyone is welcome to attend. More information: http://www.uregina.ca/student/asc/events/2015/01/Witness%20Blanket%20Opening%20Ceremony.html

More information at: http://www.uregina.ca/events/witness-blanket-opening-ceremony