09/30/2026
Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.
Below is Phyllis’ story in her own words:
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!
When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.
I was 13.8 years old and in grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like. With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.
I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then. I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!
I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories.” (from https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html)
Phyllis also tells her story in the video attached https://youtu.be/E3vUqr01kAk
The Canadian government has now designated September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Below are some educational links to bring awareness to the challenges our Indigenous neighbours have experienced, and we encourage you to view these links and learn more about the historical and current realities they still face.
https://legacyofhope.ca
https://nctr.ca/.../teaching.../residential-school-history/
https://education.afn.ca/.../learnin.../residential-schools/
The attached design honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families and communities.
In the centre are three symbols: a feather, a narwhal, and a flower. Each symbol represents the distinct cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, brought together in a circular flowing composition to reflect the connection between the groups.
Above the central elements, stars surrounding the moon honour the children who never returned home from residential schools and symbolize their enduring place in our thoughts and memory. The dotted patterns evoke beadwork and reflect the importance of passing down art, culture and traditions from one generation to the next.
Flowing lines connect the elements of the design, reflecting the connections between land, water, communities and generations. Their winding path represents the journey of reconciliation and reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing process.
The colour orange represents remembrance and the enduring message that every child matters. (https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1631130192216/1631130220404)
