TIMMINS - Police are urging whoever stole a quilted wall hanging honouring residential school survivors to return it safely.
While the plea from Timmins Police was issued today, it doesn't include any details of the police investigation into the theft that happened over two days ago.
The news release asks for the public's help to find the quilt, which was taken from the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
It asks anyone with information to call Timmins Police at 705-264-1201 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. It also asks for footage to be submitted online.
Communications co-ordinator Michelle St. Louis says the investigation is ongoing and the police have no information to share about when the theft happened or suspects.
The handmade piece was made by Quilt for Survivors. It's been on display at the museum for a couple of weeks as part of Mushkegowuk Council's Art of Healing series.
SEE: Quilt honouring residential school survivors stolen from Timmins museum
Quilts for Survivors studio manager Katherine Jeremiah-Génier, who uses the pronouns they-them, told TimminsToday on Tuesday that they were told a woman took the quilt.
Museum staff said a police report was filed.
It took Jeremiah-Génier 50 hours to make the piece, which was their first wall hanging and was quilted by their brother.
The piece features a digitally printed panel by Indigenous artist Karen Erickson, depicting the journey of children who attended residential schools. The design incorporates traditional colours and elements that hold cultural and symbolic significance.
Jeremiah-Génier and their mom, Vanessa Génier — the Quilts for Survivors founder, are disappointed by the theft.
“Just bring it back to the museum. No one will ask any questions. We don’t want to press any charges. We just want it back. And if you really need one, I’ll make you one,” Génier said earlier this week.
