The Orange Shirt: The Phyllis Webstad Story That Inspired September 30, Truth and Reconciliation Day

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An orange shirt, a family heirloom

Phyllis Webstad is a residential school survivor who grew up in the Secwepemc community of British Columbia. As a child, she was filled with joy and hope at the prospect of starting school. To celebrate this milestone, her grandmother gave her a brand-new orange shirt—a special and symbolic gift that embodied love and the anticipation of a bright future. For a little girl, that bright orange shirt represented more than just clothing; it was a source of pride.

But when she arrived at the residential school at the age of six, Phyllis quickly discovered the harsh reality of the system. Her beloved shirt was ripped off without explanation upon her arrival. This violent act was her first contact with the world of residential schools, a world where all connection to her culture and identity was erased. The orange shirt, a symbol of family love, became a symbol of loss, self-denial, and the attempt to erase her Indigenous identity.

The meaning of the day in the orange shirt

In 2013, Phyllis Webstad shared her story publicly for the first time, and it resonated deeply with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. From this personal story emerged a national initiative, Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30. This day commemorates the children who attended residential schools and recalls the lasting impact this system has had on survivors, their families, and future generations.

Orange Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of the injustices inflicted on Indigenous children by residential schools and to emphasize that “every child matters.” For Indigenous communities, it is a day of remembrance, healing, and resilience. Wearing an orange shirt is an act of solidarity, a recognition of the suffering endured by children forced to abandon their culture and language, and a commitment to a future where this will never happen again.



Resilience and truth

The story of Phyllis Webstad illustrates the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of Canada's colonial policies. The removal of her orange shirt was an attempt to erase her identity, but today, that garment has become a powerful symbol of cultural resistance and a commitment to truth and reconciliation. Her story has given a human face to the suffering endured by children in residential schools, sparked vital conversations about the past, and promoted concrete actions to redress injustices.

Through her testimony, Phyllis Webstad inspires current and future generations not to forget the history of residential schools and to continue fighting for the respect, recognition, and dignity of Indigenous peoples. Her orange shirt, once a symbol of loss, has become an emblem of hope, a call to action, and a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a loving environment where their culture is celebrated.

Source and references:

• Testimony from Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Society.
• Government of Canada, “Orange Shirt Day”.
• CBC News, “Phyllis Webstad on the Story Behind Orange Shirt Day.”

Foire aux questions

Who is Phyllis Webstad and what is her connection to the orange shirt?
Phyllis Webstad is a survivor of the residential school system, originally from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. As a young girl, she received a new orange shirt from her grandmother for her first day of school, a shirt that was taken away upon her arrival at the residential school. This act symbolizes the erasure of Indigenous identity.
How did the orange shirt become a national symbol in Canada?
In 2013, Phyllis publicly shared her story, and the orange shirt became a symbol of remembrance and reconciliation. September 30th became "Orange Shirt Day," dedicated to raising awareness of the cultural violence suffered by Indigenous children in residential schools.
What does the Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) mean today?
National Truth and Reconciliation Day recognizes the trauma caused by residential schools, honours survivors, and calls for education, respect, and collective action. Wearing an orange shirt on this day is a gesture of solidarity: "Every child matters."