The educational movement highlighted by her story led to Sept. 30 being recognized as Orange Shirt Day, and eventually to the federal government establishing that day as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It became a statutory holiday in B.C. in 2023.
Phyllis Webstad’s contributions are foundational to the public awareness and understanding of the history of Canada and its evolving relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Her work to bring about this level of public awareness is monumental and has created a movement towards respect, safety, and justice for all people in Canada and beyond.
Do you have an orange shirt for September 30? Even wearing an orange ribbon can be a meaningful gesture.
By wearing orange, we say:
We remember.
We acknowledge the truth.
We honour survivors and their families.
We commit ourselves to reconciliation.
-Sister Kathleen Lichti, CSJ