Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author and activist and a recipient of the 2024 BC Reconciliation Award, is one of the most recognized voices in Canada for raising awareness about the painful legacy of the Indian Residential School system. A member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’ First Nation, Phyllis dedicates her life to sharing her story, supporting survivors, and amplifying the call for reconciliation.
Her journey of advocacy began in 2013, when she spoke publicly about her childhood experience at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake. On her very first day there, the new orange shirt she proudly wore was taken from her—a small but powerful symbol of the immense loss suffered by thousands of Indigenous children who were stripped of their identities, cultures, and dignity. That story inspired what we now know as Orange Shirt Day, recognized annually on September 30 underpinning its mantra of ‘Every Child Matters”. The grass roots’ movement shares its day of recognition with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time for Canadians to reflect, learn, and commit to building a more just and inclusive future.
Beyond Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis continues to guide others on the path toward healing. As a member of the Survivors’ Circle, she offers support to fellow residential school survivors, and through her books, The Orange Shirt Story and Every Child Matters, as well as the documentary Returning Home, she ensures these truths are not forgotten. Her advocacy helps younger generations understand the past and inspires hope for the future.
To recognize her extraordinary contributions, the BC Reconciliation Award program introduced a new category this year: The Phyllis Webstad Emerging Leader Designation. This designation celebrates the leadership and resilience of young people who carry forward the spirit of reconciliation—echoing Phyllis’s own words:
“In our children, in our young people, we have hope. They are the ones who will lead us forward, and we need to support and encourage them every step of the way.”
As September 30 approaches, let’s wear our orange shirts with purpose and remember that reconciliation is not a single day but an ongoing journey. Together, we can honour survivors, support healing, and create a more inclusive tomorrow.
At BC Achievement, we are committed to advancing reconciliation through the BC Reconciliation Award program, which shines a light on leaders and changemakers across the province. We invite you to join us in this important work—because every step toward understanding and respect brings us closer to true reconciliation.
Nominate an outstanding individual or group for the 2026 BC Reconciliation Award program.
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