Phyllis Webstad facts for kids

Phyllis Jack Webstad is a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, and the creator of Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance marked in Canada later instated as the public holiday of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She is a First Nations residential school survivor. She has written multiple books, including a picture book depicting her experience with the Indian residential school system.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The inspiration for the Canadian public holiday National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally called Orange Shirt Day, came from Webstad, who shared her story at a St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion event held in Williams Lake, British Columbia, in April 2013. Webstad recounted her first day of residential schooling at six years old, when she was stripped of her clothes, including the new orange shirt her grandmother bought her, which was never returned. The orange shirt now symbolizes how the residential school system attempted to take away the Indigenous identities of children. It is held annually on September 30 as a national day of remembrance in Canadian communities, where people are encouraged to wear an orange shirt. It was elevated to a statutory holiday for federal employees by the Canadian government in 2021.

Orange Shirt Day exists as a legacy of the SJM Project, and September 30 signifies the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools. The official tagline of the day, "Every Child Matters", reminds Canadians that all peoples' cultural experiences are important.

In addition to simply wearing an orange shirt, Canadians are encouraged to learn more about the history of residential schools and their assimilation practices, drawing from Phyllis' experience in particular. For instance, many communities have held memorial walks, film screenings, and public lectures to raise awareness about Indigenous history. Accordingly, school boards across Canada have begun to use this event to teach children about the historic system.

She is profiled in Sean Stiller's 2021 documentary film Returning Home.

Education

Phyllis Webstad earned a diploma in business administration from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt. She also earned a diploma in accounting from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

Webstad was granted an honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Simon Fraser University on October 6, 2023.

Awards

In 2017 Webstad received the Community Impact Award from Thompson Rivers University and was recognized as a distinguished alumni. She was given this award because of her strength and resilience which impacted her community as well as the inspiration she provided nationally.

Additionally, in January 2022, Webstad was awarded the Governor General's Meritorious Service Cross in the civil division. This award is given to Canadians for their exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honour to Canada.

Books

• The Orange Shirt Story (2018) ISBN: 978-0-99-386949-5 -
• Phyllis's Orange Shirt (2019) ISBN: 978-1-98-912224-2 -
• With Our Orange Hearts (2022) ISBN: 978-1-989122-97-6 -
• Every Child Matters (2023) ISBN: 978-1-77854-016-5 -
• Today Is Orange Shirt Day (2024) ISBN 978-1-77854-036-3

Personal life

Early life

Webstad is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and was born on Dog Creek Reserve, near Williams Lake, British Columbia.

Adulthood

Phyllis Webstad is married, and has one son, a step-son and five grandchildren. She had her son in grade 8.