Phyllis Webstad's Orange Shirt Story
Description
When Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) turned six, she was so excited to go to school for the first time. She proudly wore the shiny orange shirt that her Granny had bought for her, but when she got to the residential school, her new shirt was taken away from her and never returned.
This is the true story that inspired Orange Shirt Day and the Every Child Matters movement, retold with all new illustrations.
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Persons
<b>Phyllis Webstad</b> (nee Jack) is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/Scottish heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. Phyllis's orange shirt is now a powerful symbol of remembrance across Canada, to honour the children who could not come home, the survivors, and their families. Phyllis inspires us to share the message that <b>"EVERY CHILD MATTERS."</b> Phyllis has since received multiple awards, as well as two honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. She is respected for her work as an ambassador for <b>Orange Shirt Day (September 30th)</b>, her commitment to healing our communities and nation, and her courage to speak her truth in the face of denialism.
<b>Natassia Davies</b> is a professional artist, graphic designer, and illustrator living on British Columbia's vibrant West Coast. Interweaving her Coast Salish heritage with a multi-disciplinary skillset and a passion for storytelling, Natassia amplifies the voices of Indigenous peoples through transformative visual communication. She has illustrated several children's books, including White Raven, written by Teoni Spathelfer, which was shortlisted for the Indigenous Voices Awards and the City of Victoria Children's Book Prize.