The Orange Shirt Story

When Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) turned six, she was sent to a residential school for the first time. On her first day at school, she proudly wore a shiny orange shirt that her Granny had bought for her. When she arrived at school she was told that she could not wear her favourite shirt. It was taken away from her, never to be returned. The Orange Shirt Story tells the true story of Phyllis and her orange shirt and of Orange Shirt Day, an important day of remembrance for First Nations Canadians. (From Kinder Books)

Phyllis Webstad is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. She has inspired thousands of people to honour residential school survivors and their families. She is also the author Phyllis's Orange Shirt, are on this list.

Brock Nicol is an illustrator from Ottawa. He also illustrated Phyllis's Orange Shirt.

• 48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools
• Orange Shirt Day founder writes children's book about residential school experience
• Winnipeg students wear orange shirts to honour residential school survivors
• What is Orange Shirt Day?
• How Phyllis Webstad's 1st day at residential school inspired a movement
• 12 books to read for Orange Shirt Day
• 44 books to read from Indigenous creators who identify as women and/or two-spirit

More about Orange Shirt Day

Orange shirt day remembers impact of residential schools

7 years ago

Duration 1:28

A ceremony was held at Edmonton's city hall on Friday to raise awareness of residential schools and to continue the reconciliation process.

Up North5:38Orange Shirt Day raises awareness about legacy residential schools

Members of First Nations and their allies took part in Orange Shirt Day in Thunder Bay.

Other books by Phyllis Webstad