Phyllis Webstad

About the Author

Phyllis Webstad is a renowned author and advocate whose work powerfully illuminates the experiences of Indigenous children in Canada's residential school system. Born in British Columbia, she draws from her own harrowing memories of being taken from her family at age six and stripped of her cherished orange shirt upon arrival at the school. Through her poignant storytelling, Webstad fosters empathy and awareness, inspiring generations to confront this dark chapter of history. Her debut book, Phyllis's Orange Shirt, has become a cornerstone of educational literature, sparking the annual Orange Shirt Day movement that honors survivors and promotes reconciliation. With a voice rooted in resilience and cultural pride, Webstad continues to educate and heal through her writing and public speaking.