Phyllis Webstad was the little girl who had her orange shirt taken away from her on her first day of residential school. Who would have thought that this traumatic experience would lead her to become the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society?

The Orange Shirt Day movement and Phyllis’ message of love and hope that “Every Child Matters,” began in 2013 and a National day to recognize the impact of the Canadian Indian residential school system was implemented on September 30, 2021. This day became known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

Judy Falle (Client Intake Officer with QFN) recently published her children’s Indigenous book, “Poppa and His Drum”. The book explores the topic of Truth and Reconciliation from a local perspective. Throughout her creative process and the publication of the book, Judy sought guidance and support from Phyllis Webstad. This friendship and collaboration inspired Judy to meet Phyllis in person and bring her positive message of love to our community so she partnered with local organizations to host a visit.

After much planning and preparation, Phyllis will visit Newfoundland next week to meet with community members including several school visits.

Let’s show our community support by filling the Lion’s Club and welcoming Phyllis next Friday evening in Stephenville from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Thank you to Judy and her partners for working together to host this wonderful visit.

Partners: Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, and Ulnooweg.