National Day For Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day

The story of the orange shirt belongs to Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the “Mission” residential school in British Columbia. Her grandmother bought her an orange shirt for the first day of school, but it was taken away from her when she arrived and was never given back. Phyllis’ story speaks of the harm and assimilation residential schools forced on many generations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children. In her own words, Orange Shirt Day represents the “recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, and as an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters” (Phyllis Webstad).

Here is a video of Phyllis talking about her experience, and the inspiration to start Orange Shirt Day:

Phyllis Webstad

Phyllis is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She has published two books, the “Orange Shirt Story” and “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt” (which is for younger children). Phyllis is an Executive Director for the Orange Shirt Society and travels across the country sharing her story and raising awareness on the impacts of residential school systems. Her impact on local, provincial, national, and global communities is exceptional and unparalleled. She has received the 2017 TRU Distinguished Alumni Award and continues to share her story.