The Witness Blanket is not only a work of art, it is the story of the residential school experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This book discusses the process that Carey Newman went through in making his art piece. Newman collected the stories of residential school Survivors and brings those stories forward in this book in a way that is very accessible for the reader. The stories are personal and emotional and bring alive the truth that enables the reader to understand the scope and intensity of the cultural genocide that was done to not only Indigenous children but entire Indigenous communities. Each chapter highlights different aspects of the Witness Blanket, and items such as food containers (a mush bowl and various plates) and a white door from St. Michael’s Residential School are included in the display.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Discussions of violence and abuse
Other End Matter: Glossary, resources
Images: Colour photographs, b&w photographs
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Carey Newman (Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish) and Kirstie Hudson
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools & Indigenous Books for Schools

Carey Newman or Hayalthkin'geme is a multidisciplinary artist and master carver. Through his father he is Kwakwaka'wakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby'ie clans of Fort Rupert, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Stó:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley. Through his mother he is English, Irish, and Scottish. In his artistic practice he strives to highlight Indigenous, social or environmental issues. Carey was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 2018. With Kirstie Hudson, he co-authored Picking Up the Pieces: Residential School Memories and the Making of The Witness Blanket which was a finalist for the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Nonfiction. Carey lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Carey Newman's profile page

Kirstie Hudson is an editor and writer in Victoria, British Columbia. She was a reporter and producer with the CBC in Toronto, Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Victoria. In her award-winning career as a journalist, Kirstie's work was recognized with a Jack Webster Award, Radio Television Digital News Association Awards and a Gabriel Award. As an instructor at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University, Kirstie shared her love of storytelling with students in writing, communications and journalism. She co-authored Picking Up the Pieces: Residential School Memories and the Making of The Witness Blanket with Carey Newman. In 2020, the book was a finalist for the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Nonfiction.

Kirstie Hudson's profile page

• Nominated, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
• Commended, United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) Outstanding International Books List (OIB)
• Nominated, Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award
• Commended, Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award 6th - 8th Grade
• Nominated, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets