For Phyllis Webstad, the memory of having her orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school has never faded. Her story, which inspired the founding of Orange Shirt Society, is now recognized across the country as Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Phyllis was six years old when her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt to wear on her first day at residential school. When she arrived, the shirt was taken away. It was an experience that stayed with her and became a symbol of how children’s feelings, identity and worth were disregarded.
By sharing her experience, Phyllis has helped generations of Canadians better understand the legacy of residential schools, the resilience of survivors, and the importance of ongoing Reconciliation. That message — that every child matters — is at the heart of Orange Shirt Day and connects to anti-bullying by reminding us that children deserve to be seen, heard, respected and safe.
Walking alongside the Orange Shirt Society.
Vancity's relationship with the Orange Shirt Society began before September 30 became a nationally recognized day of reflection.
As one of the organization's earliest supporters, Vancity helped fund its early growth through a Shared Success Grant. "When I was looking to do my Orange Shirt work full time," said Phyllis Webstad. "Vancity listened and they provided a grant to Orange Shirt Society which allowed us to open an office in Williams Lake. They've been here for us ever since."
This year, Vancity provided funding for a documentary about the life and experiences of Phyllis and her family. Led by filmmaker and Vancity Indigenous Advisory Board member Simon Baker, the project helps advance Indigenous storytelling, education and truth-telling.
A conversation on allyship.
To mark September 30, Phyllis Webstad joined Wellington Holbrook for a conversation in Vancity's rooftop Indigenous medicinal plant garden. Together, they reflected on the power of listening, the importance of long-term relationships, and what meaningful allyship can look like in practice.
Take the next step.
September 30 is more than a day of reflection. It is an opportunity to honour survivors and their families, recognize the resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and reflect on our collective responsibility to advance Reconciliation.
Continue your learning:
- Visit Orange Shirt Society to get your own orange shirt to make a statement to support truth and Reconciliation
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for survivor stories, historical records, and educational resources
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