The Orange Shirt Day Story
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 11, 2023
The Orange Shirt Day Story revolves around Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation in Canada. Phyllis’s experience as a young Indigenous child attending a Canadian residential school in 1973 led to the creation of Orange Shirt Day, which is now honored as a special and important day across Canada. The story of Phyllis and her orange shirt is a great way to introduce learners to the concept of truth and reconciliation.
Looking for a free resource to use along with The Orange Shirt Day Story? Click on the image or button below to download your free resource!
(This post contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!)
What is the significance of The Orange Shirt Day Story?
Phyllis Webstad’s story began when she was just six years old. On her first day at the residential school, her grandmother had lovingly gifted her a bright orange shirt to wear. The shirt held great sentimental value, symbolizing her connection to her family and culture.
Upon arriving at residential school, Phyllis had her special orange shirt forcibly taken from her. The shirt was never returned. This traumatic event was not just about the loss of a piece of clothing. Instead, it represented the stripping away of her identity and culture, and the trauma that many Indigenous children experienced in these schools.
Grab a copy of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad on Amazon by clicking on the button below!
Read more about residential schools by checking out our post on the residential school system in Canada.
When and how was Orange Shirt day started?
The memory of her orange shirt haunted Phyllis throughout her life, but it also inspired her to share her story. In 2013, she shared her experience during a presentation at a gathering in Williams Lake, British Columbia. The orange shirt day story she shared resonated deeply with those in attendance, leading to the establishment of Orange Shirt Day. The event is held on September 30th, the time of year when Indigenous children typically went to residential schools. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the painful history of the residential school system and its enduring impact.
Orange Shirt Day has since grown into a national movement in Canada. It serves as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and solidarity with Indigenous communities. The orange shirt, once a painful reminder of loss, has transformed into a powerful emblem of healing and reconciliation. On this day, people across Canada wear orange shirts, engage in educational activities, and participate in discussions to promote understanding and awareness of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
Grab a copy of some free Orange Shirt Day posters that you can use in your classroom by checking out our post about Orange Shirt Day Posters!
What does The orange shirt day Story represent?
Orange Shirt Day is a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past, learning from it, and working together towards a more inclusive and equitable future. It represents the collective commitment of Canadians to truth and reconciliation, recognizing that the wounds of the past cannot be ignored. Instead, they can be a catalyst for positive change and healing.
Through Phyllis Webstad’s courageous act of sharing her story, the legacy of Orange Shirt Day continues to evolve, fostering dialogue, empathy, and a renewed sense of hope for a more harmonious society.
For additional information about Orange Shirt Day, check out this post.
Interested in teaching about the orange shirt day story with your learners?
Grab a copy of this engaging, no-prep resource by clicking here or on the image below.
This COMPLETE Orange Shirt Day unit comes with reading passages, comprehension questions, and a fun orange shirt day design activity! It is a great activity to introduce learners to Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day story.
Looking for additional information For teaching About Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Story?
Check out these related posts below.
Canadian Heroes to Inspire Your Learners
Favorite Indigenous Read Alouds
All About Orange Shirt Day 2023
Interested in a free resource to help you teach about The Orange Shirt Day Story?
Click on the image below to sign up for my email list and download this FREE Orange Shirt Day Story resource. It contains information about Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day, with space for students to add illustrations. By signing up for my email list you will also gain access to periodic emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals.
Interested in signing up for my email list?
If you are interested in signing up for my email list, you can do so by clicking on the link below. I periodically send out emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals. Signing up will also give you immediate access to some of my best selling Interactive Notebook resources – foldable activities, graphic organizers, and other fun activities.
