Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation

Summary

Phyllis Webstad shares her personal experience as a survivor of the St. Joseph Indian residential school, reflecting on her trauma when her new orange shirt was taken away upon arrival. She recounts the emotional hardship of being separated from her family and how residential schools affected multiple generations of her family. Phyllis emphasizes the importance of Orange Shirt Day, a time to honor survivors, remember those who never made it home, and learn the true history of Canada's First Peoples. She expresses gratitude to those participating in the event and learning about this history.

Takeaways

• 🧡 Phyllis Webstad introduces herself as a member of the Ken Creek Dog Creek First Nation, located southwest of Williams Lake, BC.
• 👵 She grew up with her granny on the Dog Creek Reserve until the age of 10, then moved in with her aunt after she finished university.
• 🎒 At six years old, Phyllis was sent to St. Joseph Indian Residential School, also called 'the Mission,' near Williams Lake.
• 👕 Her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt to wear to school, but it was taken from her upon arrival, and she never saw it again.
• 😔 Phyllis was deeply saddened and no longer excited about going to school, wanting instead to return home to her granny.
• 😭 Despite the cries of children, their emotions and voices were ignored, and they were forced to stay at the residential school for 300 days.
• 👵 Phyllis is a third-generation residential school survivor, as both her mother and grandmother attended the same mission school for 10 years each.
• 🧡 The message of Orange Shirt Day is to honor and remember residential school survivors and their families, with the motto 'Every Child Matters,' even in adulthood.
• 🕊️ The day also serves to remember the children who never made it home from residential schools.
• 📖 Phyllis expresses joy that more people are learning the true history of Canada’s First Peoples and participating in Orange Shirt Day.

Q & A

Who is Phyllis Webad?

Phyllis Webad is a member of the Ken Creek Dog Creek First Nation, located Southwest from Williams Lake, BC.

Where is the Ken Creek Dog Creek First Nation?

It is about 1 and 1/2 hours Southwest from Williams Lake, BC.

What significant event happened to Phyllis when she was six years old?

Phyllis was sent to the St Joseph Indian residential school near Williams Lake, also known as the Mission.

What did Phyllis' grandmother buy for her before she went to school?

Phyllis' grandmother bought her a shiny new orange shirt to go to school in.

What happened to Phyllis' orange shirt when she arrived at the residential school?

Upon arrival at the school, Phyllis was stripped of her clothing, including her new orange shirt, and she never saw it again.

How long was Phyllis required to stay at the residential school?

Phyllis had to stay at the residential school for 300 sleeps.

How did Phyllis and the other children feel about being at the residential school?

Phyllis and the other children cried and wanted to go home, but no one listened to them; their feelings didn't matter.

How many generations in Phyllis' family attended residential schools?

Three generations in Phyllis' family attended residential schools.

What is the significance of Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day is a day to honor and remember residential school survivors and their families.

What does Phyllis feel about people learning about the history of Canada's first peoples?

Phyllis is overjoyed that people are taking part in Orange Shirt Day and learning the true history of Canada's first peoples.

What does Phyllis encourage people to do on Orange Shirt Day?

Phyllis encourages people to listen with open hearts to the stories of residential school survivors.