​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Beginnings of Orange Shirt Day

Despite the government policy imposed on Indigenous Peoples, many Survivors managed to retain their language and cultural practices. It is through the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples that the truth about Canada's residential school system has grown. Orange Shirt Day originated as an Indigenous-led grassroots day of remembrance and has now become an oppor​tunity for all Canadians to reflect, learn and begin important conversations about how ​to take meaningful action. With this knowledge, comes a responsibility for everyone to work with the Indigenous community towards healing and reconciliation. September 30 was chosen because it was the day that, for generations, Indigenous children were taken from their homes and forced to attend residential schools. The recognition of this day became an annual event and grew to include the story of Phyllis 'Jack' Webstad's experience at residential school and the symbolism of her orange shirt.

"The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to honour the Indigenous children who never came home as well as the Survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools. Each year we recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities and reflect on the grim truths of our shared history. We must all cont​inue to listen, learn and take meaningful actions toward reconciliation. Together, we can promote healing and work toward justice for future generations."

Shanika Johnson, Equity Office Manager, City of Brampton

Phyllis and Her Orange Shirt

Phyllis Webstad is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). In 1973, Phyllis' grandmother took her to town where she picked out a shiny orange shirt for her first day of school. Once she arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, she was stripped of her new shirt, had her hair cut and was forced to wear the school's uniform. Phyllis never wore her orange shirt again and it was never returned to her. This left Phyllis with feelings of worthlessness and insignificance.

"The colour 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."

Phyllis only attended residential school for one year from 1973-1974, however the effects from her time there were deeply ingrained and have affected her life for many years.

"It was a full school year that I was there. We could cry and cry — and no one would tend to us. There was no one hugging us. There was no one telling us that it would be OK. We were just there and fed. No one to tend to our emotions or to our fears or to anything."

She has since been on a healing journey, including going to a treatment centre and learning from her aunt how to raise her son. Since both her grandmother and mother attended residential school for 10 years each, Phyllis never learned what a parent was supposed to be like.

"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.​"​

Learning About Indigenous Cultures and Traditions

Families can learn more about the history of Indigenous traditions and their significance at an event offered by Brampton Library this September.