{{Short description|Canadian author (born 1967)}} {{Use Canadian English|date=September 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox writer | name = Phyllis Webstad | image = Phyllis Webstad.png | caption = Webstad in May 2022 | birth_name = Phyllis Jack | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|7|13}} | birth_place = Dog Creek, Cariboo Regional District,<ref group=note name=reserve/> British Columbia, Canada | nationality = Canadian | occupation = {{hlist|Author|activist}} | genre = Historical | education = Doctorate of Law (honorary) | subject = Canadian Indian residential school system | notable_works = {{ubl | ''The Orange Shirt Story'' (2018) | ''Phyllis's Orange Shirt'' (2019) | ''With Our Orange Hearts'' (2022) | ''Every Child Matters'' (2023) | ''Today is Orange Shirt Day'' (2024) }} | years_active = 2018–present | awards = {{ubl | Thompson Rivers University ''Distinguished Alumni'' Award ‒ 2017 | Doris Anderson ''Woman of the Year'' Award – 2021 | Governor General's ''Meritorious Service Cross'' (Civil Division) – 2022 }} }}
'''Phyllis Webstad''' ({{nee}} '''Jack'''; born July 13, 1967) is a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author and activist from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation,<ref group=note name=reserve>The Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation was established through the merger of the Canoe Creek Band and the Dog Creek Indian Band.</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Larsen|first=Karin|date=June 9, 2021|title=Better Business Bureau warns of scammers falsely claiming to support Indigenous causes|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bbb-warns-scammers-claiming-support-indigenous-causes-1.6059113|access-date=June 18, 2021|website=CBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-16|title='Profit from other people's pain': Residential school survivors warn of stolen designs on orange shirts|url=https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/profit-from-other-people-s-pain-residential-school-survivors-warn-of-stolen-designs-on-orange-shirts-1.5472739|access-date=2021-06-17|work=CTV News Vancouver Island|language=en|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616160123/https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/profit-from-other-people-s-pain-residential-school-survivors-warn-of-stolen-designs-on-orange-shirts-1.5472739|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="orangeshirtday.org">{{cite web|title=Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story in her own words... |url=https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html |website=OrangeShirtDay.org|access-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925123401/https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html }}</ref><ref name="OSD2">{{cite web|title=The Story of Orange Shirt Day |url=https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html |website=OrangeShirtDay.org|access-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925122054/https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html }}</ref><ref name="CBC News">{{Cite news|title=Orange Shirt Day: How a 6-year-old's 1st day at residential school inspired a movement|publisher=CBC News|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/orange-shirt-day-1.3785597|access-date=October 19, 2017|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928033401/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/orange-shirt-day-1.3785597|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="UBC2">{{cite web|title=Orange Shirt Day |url=https://irshdc.ubc.ca/visit/events/orangeshirtday/|website=Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre |publisher=University of British Columbia|access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922034700/https://irshdc.ubc.ca/visit/events/orangeshirtday/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sinclair|first1=Murray |last2=Littlechild|first2=Wilton|last3=Wilson|first3=Marie |date=2015|title=The Survivors Speak|url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |url=http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_English_Web.pdf|website=Truth and Reconciliation Commission|pages=39–45 |access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018013448/http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_English_Web.pdf }}</ref> She has written multiple books, including a picture book that illustrates her experiences with the residential school system.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Residential school survivor whose orange shirt inspired a movement co-authors textbook|url=https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/residential-school-survivor-whose-orange-shirt-inspired-a-movement-co-authors-textbook-3128286|access-date=2021-06-17|website=North Shore News|date=30 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 25, 2020|title=Phyllis Webstad reflects on inspiring Orange Shirt Day and starting a movement|url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/full-episode-sept-26-2020-1.5736195/phyllis-webstad-reflects-on-inspiring-orange-shirt-day-and-starting-a-movement-1.5738490|access-date=June 18, 2021|website=CBC|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707093904/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/full-episode-sept-26-2020-1.5736195/phyllis-webstad-reflects-on-inspiring-orange-shirt-day-and-starting-a-movement-1.5738490|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://quillandquire.com/omni/small-victoria-publisher-makes-orange-shirt-day-picture-books-when-no-one-else-would/|title=Small Victoria publisher makes Orange Shirt Day picture books when no one else would|date=September 27, 2019|website=Quill and Quire}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Robertson|first=David|date=June 10, 2021|title=48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools|url=https://www.cbc.ca/books/48-books-by-indigenous-writers-to-read-to-understand-residential-schools-1.6056204|access-date=June 18, 2021|website=CBC}}</ref>
== Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation == {{Main|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 represents the efforts made by the residential school system to deny children their Indigenous identity.<ref name="orangeshirtday.org"/><ref name="OSD2"/><ref name="CBC News"/><ref name="UBC2"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sinclair|first1=Murray|last2=Littlechild|first2=Wilton|last3=Wilson|first3=Marie |date=2015|title=The Survivors Speak|url=http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_English_Web.pdf|website=Truth and Reconciliation Commission|pages=39–45|access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018013448/http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_English_Web.pdf }}</ref> 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.<ref name=royalassent>{{cite web |last1=Bryden |first1=Joan |title=Royal assent given to bill creating national day for truth and reconciliation |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/royal-assent-given-to-bill-creating-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/ |website=CTVNews |access-date=18 June 2021 |language=en |date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613184709/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/royal-assent-given-to-bill-creating-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-1.5455293 |url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|right|An Orange Shirt Day banner flying in Williams Lake, B.C. 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 is "Every Child Matters".<ref name="OSD2" /><ref name="UBC2" />
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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reconciliation week: Orange Shirt Day arrives early at B.C. Legislature|publisher=CBC News|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/reconciliation-week-orange-shirt-day-arrives-early-at-b-c-legislature-1.4301047|access-date=October 20, 2017|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503145230/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/reconciliation-week-orange-shirt-day-arrives-early-at-b-c-legislature-1.4301047|url-status=live}}</ref> Canadian school boards have begun to use this event to teach children about the historic system.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 17, 2017|title=AVRSB marks Orange Shirt Day to support First Nations students|work=The Chronicle Herald|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/valleyharvester/1512235-avrsb-marks-orange-shirt-day-to-support-first-nations-students|access-date=October 20, 2017|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021154040/http://thechronicleherald.ca/valleyharvester/1512235-avrsb-marks-orange-shirt-day-to-support-first-nations-students|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Career == Phyllis Webstad's journey as an activist and public speaker began in April 2013 when she shared her residential school story at the St. Joseph's Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion event in Williams Lake.<ref name="d619">{{cite web | title=Honour residential school survivors on Orange Shirt Day | website=Canada Energy Regulator Site | date=2 October 2020 | url=https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/about/news-room/whats-new/2020/honour-residential-school-survivors-orange-shirt-day.html?=undefined&wbdisable=true | access-date=26 June 2024}}</ref> This marked the first time she had publicly recounted her experience, including the story of her orange shirt.<ref name="d376">{{cite web | last=Harper | first=Tyler | title='I'm still not comfortable with it': Orange Shirt Day founder reflects on decade of reconciliation work | website=The Williams Lake Tribune | date=12 April 2023 | url=https://www.wltribune.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-5552911 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.wltribune.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-5552911 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="i380"/>
Following this event, Webstad's story gained traction on social media, leading to the creation of Orange Shirt Day.<ref name="k763">{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Charnel | title=Why Phyllis Webstad Is A Doris Anderson Award Recipient | website=Chatelaine | date=30 November 2021 | url=https://chatelaine.com/living/phyllis-webstad-doris-anderson-award/ | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://chatelaine.com/living/phyllis-webstad-doris-anderson-award/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The day, observed annually on September 30th, aims to educate people about the impact of residential schools and honour the experiences of Indigenous children.<ref name="k156">{{cite web | last=Lamb-Yorski | first=Monica | title=Webstad, Sorley leaders for Truth and Reconciliation | website=The Williams Lake Tribune | date=30 September 2021 | url=https://www.wltribune.com/news/webstad-sorley-leaders-for-truth-and-reconciliation-5536396 | access-date=26 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418135322/https://www.wltribune.com/news/webstad-sorley-leaders-for-truth-and-reconciliation-5536396|archive-date=2024-04-18}}</ref> The date was chosen as it coincides with the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools. Orange Shirt Day has since become a significant movement in Canada.<ref name="l303">{{cite web | last=Harper | first=Tyler | title='I'm still not comfortable with it': Orange Shirt Day founder reflects on decade of reconciliation work | website=Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News | date=12 April 2023 | url=https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-2679767 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-2679767 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="f285">{{cite web | last=Supernant | first=Kisha | title='Every child matters': One year after the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops | website=The Conversation | date=17 October 2023 | url=https://theconversation.com/every-child-matters-one-year-after-the-unmarked-graves-of-215-indigenous-children-were-found-in-kamloops-183778 | access-date=26 June 2024}}</ref>
In 2021, the Canadian government elevated Orange Shirt Day to a statutory holiday, establishing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.<ref name=royalassent/>
thumb|right|An Every Child Matters sign on display. Webstad serves as the ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society, a non-profit organization she founded to support reconciliation events and create awareness about the impacts of the residential school system.<ref name="e969">{{cite web | last=Pounder | first=Megan | title=Niagara College celebrates Indigenous students at awards banquet with Orange Shirt Society founder | website=ThoroldToday.ca | date=7 June 2024 | url=https://www.thoroldtoday.ca/local-news/niagara-college-celebrates-indigenous-students-at-awards-banquet-with-orange-shirt-society-founder-9010803 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.thoroldtoday.ca/local-news/niagara-college-celebrates-indigenous-students-at-awards-banquet-with-orange-shirt-society-founder-9010803 | url-status=live }}</ref> The society operates with minimal staff, with Webstad at the helm and one part-time employee assisting with administration. The Orange Shirt Society offers programs that "teach the importance of respect and community."<ref name="f004">{{cite web | title="The Orange Shirt Story" with Phyllis Webstad | website=UBC Learning Circle | date=19 August 2020 | url=https://learningcircle.ubc.ca/2020/08/19/phyllis-webstad-the-orange-shirt-story/ | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://learningcircle.ubc.ca/2020/08/19/phyllis-webstad-the-orange-shirt-story/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Webstad often gives presentations and facilitates workshops.<ref name="y975">{{cite web | last=Lloyd | first=Ruth | title=Indigenous artist teams up with Orange Shirt Day founder for new children's book | website=The Williams Lake Tribune | date=25 September 2023 | url=https://www.wltribune.com/community/indigenous-artist-teams-up-with-orange-shirt-day-founder-for-new-childrens-book-5558374 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.wltribune.com/community/indigenous-artist-teams-up-with-orange-shirt-day-founder-for-new-childrens-book-5558374 | url-status=live }}</ref> Webstad also participates in the Orange Jersey Project, an initiative of the Orange Shirt Society led by her son.<ref name="i599">{{cite web | last=Casten | first=Darlene | title=Beyond Local: Orange Shirt Day founder tirelessly helps others learn about the atrocities of residential schools | website=St. Albert Gazette | date=24 February 2024 | url=https://www.stalbertgazette.com/beyond-local/orange-shirt-day-founder-tirelessly-helps-others-learn-about-the-atrocities-of-residential-schools-8351934 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.stalbertgazette.com/beyond-local/orange-shirt-day-founder-tirelessly-helps-others-learn-about-the-atrocities-of-residential-schools-8351934 | url-status=live }}</ref> The initiative, which is a collaboration with the Western Hockey League, aims to educate young people about Indigenous history and the value of reconciliation through sports.<ref name="p437">{{cite web | last1=Rose | first1=Jason La | last2=Brickman | first2=Katie | last3=Coulter | first3=Shannon | last4=Manitoba | first4=Ezra Ginsburg via Hockey | last5=Brunswick | first5=Kelsey Pye via Hockey New | title=The importance of orange | website=Hockey Canada | date=30 September 2023 | url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/importance-of-orange-2023-ndtr | access-date=26 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="i599"/>
She is profiled in Sean Stiller's 2021 documentary film ''Returning Home''.<ref>Justin Bell, [https://edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/local-arts/eiff-review-returning-home "EIFF Review: Returning Home"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008124916/https://edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/local-arts/eiff-review-returning-home |date=October 8, 2021 }}. ''Edmonton Journal'', October 1, 2021.</ref>
== Awards == In 2017, Webstad received the ''Community Impact Award ''from Thompson Rivers University and was recognized as a distinguished alumni.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Distinguished Alumni announced – TRU Newsroom |url=https://inside.tru.ca/2017/03/24/2017-distinguished-alumni-announced/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=inside.tru.ca |language=en-US |archive-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428084802/https://inside.tru.ca/2017/03/24/2017-distinguished-alumni-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" />
In September 2021, she won the First Nation Communities ''Read Award'' for best Indigenous literature for her book "Beyond The Orange Shirt Story."<ref name="a625">{{cite web | title=Phyllis Webstad, Bridget George win First Nation Communities Read Awards for best Indigenous literature | website=CBC | date=30 September 2021 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/books/phyllis-webstad-bridget-george-win-first-nation-communities-read-awards-for-best-indigenous-literature-1.6190967 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=November 4, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104220511/https://www.cbc.ca/books/phyllis-webstad-bridget-george-win-first-nation-communities-read-awards-for-best-indigenous-literature-1.6190967 | url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2021, she won the 2021 Doris Anderson ''Woman of the Year'' award.<ref name="z960">{{cite web | last=Halushak | first=Maureen | title=Meet Chatelaine's 2021 Doris Anderson Award Recipients | website=Chatelaine | date=30 November 2021 | url=https://chatelaine.com/living/2021-doris-anderson-awards/ | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://chatelaine.com/living/2021-doris-anderson-awards/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="k763"/>
In January 2022, Webstad was awarded the Governor General's ''Meritorious Service Cross'' in the civil division.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Public Works and Government Services Canada |date=2022-01-29 |title=Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 156, Number 5: GOVERNMENT HOUSE |url=https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2022/2022-01-29/html/gh-rg-eng.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=canadagazette.gc.ca |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208231501/https://www.canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2022/2022-01-29/html/gh-rg-eng.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This award is given to Canadians for their exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honour to Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=General |first=Office of the Secretary to the Governor |date=2017-09-21 |title=The Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) |url=https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/meritorious-service-decorations-civil-division |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=The Governor General of Canada |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422092707/https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/meritorious-service-decorations-civil-division |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Education == In the early 2000s, Webstad enrolled at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) in Merritt, British Columbia. NVIT is British Columbia's Indigenous public post-secondary institution, offering programs that are relevant to Indigenous learners and communities. At NVIT, Webstad earned a diploma in business administration.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Phyllis' Story |url=https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Orange Shirt Society |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Ms. Phyllis Webstad |url=https://ontariotechu.ca/convocation/about/honorary-degrees/2022/ms.-phyllis-webstad.php |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=ontariotechu.ca |language=en |archive-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428084809/https://ontariotechu.ca/convocation/about/honorary-degrees/2022/ms.-phyllis-webstad.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Webstad continued her education at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia. At TRU, she pursued and obtained a diploma in accounting. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebration and reconciliation go hand-in-hand on Orange Shirt Day – TRU Newsroom |url=https://inside.tru.ca/2018/09/28/celebration-and-reconciliation-go-hand-in-hand-on-orange-shirt-day/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=inside.tru.ca |language=en-US |archive-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428084802/https://inside.tru.ca/2018/09/28/celebration-and-reconciliation-go-hand-in-hand-on-orange-shirt-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On October 6, 2023, Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, British Columbia, awarded Webstad an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree. The conferral of this honorary degree took place during SFU's fall convocation ceremony.<ref>{{cite web | last=McSheffrey | first=Elizabeth | title=Orange Shirt Day founder 'so honoured to be honoured' with degree from SFU | website=Global News | date=6 October 2023 | url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10010942/phyllis-webstad-honourary-degree-sfu/ | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://globalnews.ca/news/10010942/phyllis-webstad-honourary-degree-sfu/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
== Personal life == === Early life === Webstad was born on July 13, 1967, on the Dog Creek Reserve,<ref group=note name=reserve/> approximately 85 kilometers south of Williams Lake, British Columbia.<ref name="n829">{{cite web | title=Phyllis' Story | website=Orange Shirt Society | date=9 November 2023 | url=https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/ | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=April 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428084806/https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|right|Canoe Creek,<ref group=note name=reserve/> British Columbia Webstad was primarily raised by her grandmother on the Dog Creek Reserve until she was ten. Their home lacked modern amenities such as electricity and running water. Despite these challenges, Webstad recalls a childhood rich in traditional practices and connection to the land.<ref name="i380">{{cite web | last=Charleyboy | first=Lisa | title=Survivor: The story of Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day | website=Canadian Geographic | date=30 September 2020 | url=https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/survivor-the-story-of-phyllis-webstad-and-orange-shirt-day/ | access-date=18 June 2021 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/survivor-the-story-of-phyllis-webstad-and-orange-shirt-day/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The family lived off the land, maintaining three gardens in the valley and storing food in a cellar. Webstad participated in catching sockeye salmon along the Fraser River at night.<ref name="i380"/> They would gut the fish, cut them up, and place them on drying racks in the morning. Berry picking was a common activity. During summers, Webstad's grandmother, the youngest of ten siblings, would take her and her cousin to camp along the Fraser River.<ref name="i380"/>
Webstad's family has a multi-generational history with the residential school system.<ref name="i604">{{cite web | author=Contributed content | title=Founder of Orange Shirt Day details her healing journey | website=NNSL Media | date=30 September 2023 | url=https://www.nnsl.com/news/founder-of-orange-shirt-day-details-her-healing-journey-7274846 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.nnsl.com/news/founder-of-orange-shirt-day-details-her-healing-journey-7274846 | url-status=live }}</ref> Her mother and father were largely absent during her early years, leading to feelings of abandonment. Her grandmother, who didn't have a paying job, was her primary caregiver and taught her traditional ways of living. Webstad's great-grandmother, born in 1880, grew up under the oppressive ''Indian Act'' and believed that residential schools would provide opportunities for her descendants. Both Webstad's mother and grandmother attended St. Joseph's Mission Residential School for ten years each.<ref name="a764">{{cite web | title=Phyllis Webstad wore an orange shirt to residential school. Telling the story helped her heal | website=CBC | date=21 September 2023 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/phyllis-webstad-orange-shirt-day-1.6982705 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/phyllis-webstad-orange-shirt-day-1.6982705 | url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|left|Girls sewing at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School. On September 30, 1973, at the age of six, Webstad was sent to St. Joseph's Mission Residential School, located just outside Williams Lake. Before leaving, Webstad's grandmother took her shopping for new clothes. Webstad chose a shiny orange shirt, which symbolized her excitement about school. On her first day, upon arrival, school authorities stripped Webstad of her clothes, including the new orange shirt, which was never returned. This traumatic experience would later become the inspiration for Orange Shirt Day.<ref name="p460">{{cite web | last=Rudisuela | first=Jolene | title=Three generations of trauma: Phyllis Webstad shares experience of residential schooling | website=Comox Valley Record | date=24 October 2018 | url=https://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/three-generations-of-trauma-phyllis-webstad-shares-experience-in-residential-school-1587577 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/three-generations-of-trauma-phyllis-webstad-shares-experience-in-residential-school-1587577 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Webstad spent one year at St. Joseph's Mission, where she was bussed to a different school in Williams Lake for classes during the day and returned to the residential school at night. During her time at the school, Webstad had minimal contact with her family, as was common in the residential school system.<ref name="p913">{{cite web | last=Alleyne | first=Ainara | title=Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad answers kids' questions | website=CBC Kids News | date=26 June 2024 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-kids-asked-and-orange-shirt-day-founder-phyllis-webstad-answered | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212215/https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-kids-asked-and-orange-shirt-day-founder-phyllis-webstad-answered | url-status=live }}</ref> The residential school system aimed to assimilate Indigenous children, often forbidding them from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions.<ref name="p460"/>
The following year, a school was established on the Dog Creek Reserve, allowing Webstad to return home and live with her grandmother. The experiences at the residential school later influenced her later work in reconciliation efforts.<ref name="s704">{{cite web | last=Harper | first=Tyler | title='I'm still not comfortable with it': Orange Shirt Day founder reflects on decade of reconciliation work | website=Vancouver Island Free Daily | date=12 April 2023 | url=https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-7244366 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626212216/https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/im-still-not-comfortable-with-it-orange-shirt-day-founder-reflects-on-decade-of-reconciliation-work-7244366 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Webstad had her son while she was 13 years old. <ref name="u403">{{cite web | last=Lamb-Yorski | first=Monica | title=OUR HOMETOWN: Truth and reconciliation champion | website=The Williams Lake Tribune | date=10 June 2021 | url=https://www.wltribune.com/community/our-hometown-truth-and-reconciliation-champion-5533079 | access-date=26 June 2024 | archive-date=18 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118225936/https://www.wltribune.com/community/our-hometown-truth-and-reconciliation-champion-5533079 }}</ref>
=== Adulthood === Phyllis Webstad is married and resides in Williams Lake. She has one biological son as well as a step-son. Webstad is also a grandmother to five grandchildren.<ref name="i380"/><ref name="u403"/>
Webstad has noted that her grandkids are the first to have grown up with both of their parents.<ref name="e681">{{cite web | title=29 must-read books for children and teens by Indigenous writers, curated by Phyllis Webstad | website=CBC | date=30 May 2024 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/books/29-must-read-books-for-children-and-teens-by-indigenous-writers-curated-by-phyllis-webstad-1.7218175 | access-date=27 June 2024 | archive-date=June 27, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627004635/https://www.cbc.ca/books/29-must-read-books-for-children-and-teens-by-indigenous-writers-curated-by-phyllis-webstad-1.7218175 | url-status=live }}</ref> Her eldest grandson has received certification to become a paramedic, an achievement she has publicly acknowledged.<ref name="o474">{{cite web | title=Phyllis Webstad Tirelessly Helps Others Learn About The Atrocities Of The Indian Residential Schools | website=Penticton Herald | date=20 February 2024 | url=https://www.pentictonherald.ca/spare_news/article_6e73c1e4-9a27-5c6f-995b-4f8f47ba1fd1.html | access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
In interviews, Webstad has shared that her journey of healing and self-discovery has been ongoing.<ref name="h448">{{cite web | last=Shaw | first=Melissa | title=Reflections from SFU honorary degree recipient & Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad | website=SFU News | date=17 October 2023 | url=https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2023/10/-reflections-from-sfu-honorary-degree-recipient---orange-shirt-d.html | access-date=27 June 2024 | archive-date=June 27, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627004636/https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2023/10/-reflections-from-sfu-honorary-degree-recipient---orange-shirt-d.html | url-status=live }}</ref> She continues to advocate for the importance of mental health and well-being, both for herself and for other residential school survivors. <ref name="h210">{{cite web | title=Orange Shirt Day 'not approved' for military members honouring residential school survivors | website=CBC | date=5 July 2021 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/orange-shirt-day-canadian-armed-forces-1.6091050 | access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
== Works == === Picture books=== * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=The Orange Shirt Story | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing | date=2018 | isbn=978-0-9938694-9-5 | page=}}<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ellis|first=Danika|date=2021-06-04|title=Picture Books To Teach Children About Residential Schools|url=https://bookriot.com/residential-schools-picture-books/|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Book Riot|language=en-US|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619005126/https://bookriot.com/residential-schools-picture-books/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Online educational activities kick off Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/online-educational-activities-kick-off-summer-solstice-indigenous-festival|access-date=2021-06-17|website=ottawacitizen|language=en-CA|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620062159/https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/online-educational-activities-kick-off-summer-solstice-indigenous-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=Phyllis's Orange Shirt | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing| date=2019 | isbn=978-1-989122-24-2}} * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=With Our Orange Hearts | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing | date=2022 | isbn=978-1-989122-97-6}} * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=Every Child Matters | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing | date=2023 | isbn=978-1-77854-016-5}} * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=Today Is Orange Shirt Day | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing | date=2024| isbn=978-1-77854-036-3}}
=== Story === * {{cite book | last=Webstad | first=Phyllis | title=Beyond the Orange Shirt Story | date=2021 | publisher=Medicine Wheel Publishing | isbn=978-1-989122-75-4}}
=== Film === * {{Cite AV media|type=documentary|title=Returning Home|last1=Stiller|first1=Sean|author1-link=Sean Stiller|first2=Phyllis|last2=Webstad|publisher=Canadian Geographic|date=2021}}
== Notes == {{reflist|group=note}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == *[https://orangeshirtday.org orangeshirtday.org]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Webstad, Phyllis}} Category:Living people Category:21st-century Canadian women writers Category:Canadian women memoirists Category:21st-century Canadian memoirists Category:21st-century First Nations writers Category:First Nations women writers Category:Writers from British Columbia Category:1967 births