Carey Newman

Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme) (born 1975) is a Kwakwakaʼwakw/Salish Canadian multidisciplinary artist, wood carver, filmmaker and author.

Early life Newman was born to a mother of English, Irish and Scottish settler heritage. His father is of northern Vancouver Island Kwakwaka'wakw people and was of the Kukwakam, Gixsam, and Wawałaba’yi clans, as well as Coast Salish from Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) of the traditional territories of the Stó:lō S'olh Temexw people of British Columbia.

Career Newman holds the position of the Impact Chair of Indigenous Art Practices at the University of Victoria. He is a member of the board of directors at the Pacific Opera. The objects assembled in the installation were collected from survivors of the Canadian Indian residential schools, various cultural sites, churches and governments. Newman intends the work to symbolize truth and reconciliation as well as comfort and care. It has been shown in numerous venues.

Collections Witness Blanket is held in the permanent collection of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Publications Newman's book, Picking Up the Pieces:Residential School Memories and the Making of the Witness Blanket, was co-authored with Kirstie Hudson.

Awards In 2017, Newman received the Government of Canada Meritorious Service Medal. In 2018, Newman was awarded with the Order of British Columbia. In 2020, Newman received the Extending Reconciliation Award by Leadership Victoria. In 2022, he received the National Opera Directors Award. In 2023, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa from Royal Roads University.