| Winnipeg – September 18, 2024 – Ten years ago, on September 20, 2014, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) opened its doors as the first national museum to be built outside of the Ottawa region.
“For us, the 10th anniversary isn’t about the Museum – it’s a celebration of all of the people who have entrusted us with their stories,” said CEO Isha Khan. “It has been 10 years of learning and growth – for us and for all who have engaged with us.”
Since its opening, well over 2.25 million visitors, hundreds of thousands of students and thousands of partners have shared in the journey of human rights. The Museum’s education programs for children and youth are known nationwide, with more than 30,000 students participating last school year.
“We continue to evolve as a national museum that offers transformational experiences that inspire action,” said Khan. “The Museum demonstrates how storytelling, particularly through art, is a powerful way to build understanding. One of the best examples of this is with the Witness Blanket, which returns on September 20.”
The Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art inspired by a woven blanket that carries the stories of Indian residential school Survivors through hundreds of reclaimed items.
Artist and Museum recommit to groundbreaking stewardship agreement as Witness Blanket returns
Media are invited to attend the opening of the Witness Blanket and to bear witness to artist Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Ha̱yałka̱ng̱a̱me’, and CEO Isha Khan recommitting to care and steward the Witness Blanket for the next four years. Following their remarks and formal recommitment to the agreement, both will be available for interviews.
What: Witness Blanket Recommitment and Opening
When: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Media Interviews: 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Actions Count Gallery – Level 4, CMHR
More information about artist Carey Newman
About the Stewardship Agreement
In April of 2019, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights entered into an unprecedented legal agreement, one that has changed the Museum and its entire exhibition practice. Through a blend of Indigenous and Western law, the agreement defines the Witness Blanketas a living entity and names the Museum and artist Carey Newman as joint stewards of the work and the stories it carries.
In keeping with the agreement, Carey Newman, the Museum and the Witnesses and Story Keepers who were part of the 2019 agreement ceremony will gather to reflect upon the health of the agreement and our relationships, then publicly recommit to their obligations to the Witness Blanket and each other.
Final days of Museum’s blockbuster exhibition – Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change
Since the first inaugural concert in 2014, artistic expression has been crucial to the Museum’s storytelling and visitor experience. Through music, images, sculpture, documentaries and more, art has helped educate and inspire Museum audiences.
On September 20, that tradition continues as the Museum welcomes award-winning, Indigenous hip‐hop artists DJ Shub, who is featured in the blockbuster Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, and opener Mattmac.
This will be one of the public’s last chances to explore the CMHR-created exhibition before it goes on tour. Its final day in the Museum is September 30. After that, it heads out on the road, with its first stop being the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria.
What: DJ Shub presents War Club Live
Cost: Free; registration is required. Ticket includes complimentary admission to Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change.
Location: Bonnie & John Buhler Hall, Level 1
Schedule: 7:00 p.m. – Doors open
8:00 p.m. – Opener Mattmac
9:15 p.m. – DJ Shub presents War Club Live
About the artists
Born as Dan General, a Mohawk from the Turtle Clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in Ontario, DJ Shub is considered the “Godfather of PowWowStep.” Pioneering a growing genre of electronic music, he combines Indigenous heritage, hip‐hop and protest.
Matthew Monias (also known as Mattmac) is an Ojibway‐Cree blind music producer and recording artist from Garden Hill First Nation in Manitoba. Through assisted technology, he combines melodic pop‐trap beats with inspiring hip‐hop lyrics.
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