Phyllis Webstad

I'm glad that a book exists for a slightly older age group to expand upon the orange shirt story, particularly to show the intergenerational effects of residential schools. The stories from various members of Webstad's family show the differing experiences that people had at residential schools, good and bad, without denying the reality of what went on.

Every Child Matters tells the story of residential schools through the eyes of children who were taken from their families, showing the loss of language, culture, and love they experienced. The book explains how Orange Shirt Day was created to honour survivors and remember those who never came home. It emphasizes the message that every child is valued, loved, and deserves to be safe in their identity and culture.

Phyllis Webstad grew up with her grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve, living off the land, and was excited to start school with a new orange shirt her granny had bought her. When she arrived at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school, her orange shirt was taken away, her hair was cut, she was fed tasteless food, and no one cared for her when she cried at night. Each day she was bussed into town to attended a public school, where she learned to read and write, but she still missed home show more deeply and noticed how differently residential school children were treated. After 300 days away, she was finally able to return home, carrying with her the painful memory of her lost orange shirt, which has since become a symbol remembered every year on Orange Shirt Day. show less

L'histoire du chandail orange is the French language edition of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad, Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band) The authors relates her true story explaining the history behind Orange Shirt Day held each September 30th. The storyteller describes her first day attending St. Joseph's Mission residential school in Williams Lake, B.C., in the 1970s. On this memorable day the young Phyllis wore a new show more orange shirt purchased by her grandmother. Upon arriving at the residential school the shirt was removed from Phyllis and never returned by the nuns operating the school. Phyllis never forgot this experience. The story begins a discussion about residential schools and their impact on the children and their families and communities. To acknowledge the truth and create awareness Phyllis Webstad began this special day when students and adults wear an orange shirt to proclaim that every child matters and encourages all Canadians to join in the growing movement of reconciliation. The book contains a helpful map of Secwepemc territory, along with a brief history of the Shuswap people, the St. Joseph's Mission residential school, and a glossary of terms. This ideal resource picture book captures the author's experiences attending residential school through accessible text and highly evocative illustrations by Brock Nicol. Highly recommended. The author's website provides a teaching guide designed for grade 5 students. It was be found at http://www.orangeshirtday.org/uploads/7/9/8/7/79871818/teacher_resource_guide_gr... show less