Why we wear Orange – Phyllis’ story in her own words.

Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) woman and member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’ First Nation, is a residential school survivor, author and activist. She was six years old when she attended St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School in 1973/74. She lived with her grandmother on the Dog Creek Reserve. Although they had very little money, her grandmother managed to buy her a new outfit for school. She remembers going to Robinson’s store and choosing a bright, shiny orange shirt with lacing down the front. She was excited to go to school.

When she arrived at the Mission, she was stripped of her clothes and her new orange shirt was taken away. She never saw it again. She could not understand why they would take something that belonged to her. All she knew was that she and the other children were crying, and no one seemed to care.

For Phyllis, orange became a lasting reminder of that first experience of having her belongings, dignity and sense of worth taken from her.

At 27, Phyllis entered a treatment centre and began a healing journey that continues today. Her story reminds us that healing can begin with being heard, and that sharing the truth can create space for understanding, connection and hope. Her experience at residential school inspired Orange Shirt Day and her ongoing work to honour survivors, educate others and support healing and reconciliation.

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we encourage you to get involved with events in your community, learn about the importance of this day and take action. Public commemoration is a vital part of the reconciliation process. We invite you to take this time to learn and reflect as part of a commitment to taking action and supporting Indigenous communities not only today but 365 days a year.

Education:

Indigenous Canada is a FREE 12-module course from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta. Through interdisciplinary lenses, this course invites you to build foundational knowledge about Indigenous histories and gain a deeper understanding of contemporary realities at global, national, and local levels.

HOW CAN I ENGAGE IN RECONCILIATION?

We will be raising the Survivors’ Flag at the Festival flagpole, where it will remain flying until October 2, 2026, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will also be lighting the Avon Theatre in orange beginning September 28 through to October 2, 2026.

The flag honours Survivors of residential schools and remembers the children who never returned home. Its raising is a public expression of remembrance, respect, and our ongoing commitment to truth, healing, reconciliation, and justice for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

We invite everyone to pause, reflect, and honour the Survivors, their families, and the children who never came home.

Learn more about the elements of the Flag

Downtown Stratford BIA

National Film Board film screening at City Hall Auditorium
September 30 at 9 a.m.
Discussion following each film.

1. Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair (Alanis Obomsawin, 2021, 29 min)
2. Stories Are in Our Bones (Janine Windolph, 11 min)
3. Miss Campbell: Ilinniatitsijiujik (Heather Campbell, 2023, 15 min)
   
   

The Falstaff Family Centre (FFC)

September 30, all day

1. Sunrise Ceremony and Indigenous Teachings led by Oneida First Nation Elder and Turtle Clan member Patsy Day (Grounds)
   7:30 a.m. to noon
2. Legacy of Hope Exhibition (Community Room)
   Forgotten: The Métis Residential School Experience, an exhibit from the Indigenous-led Legacy of Hope Foundation, will be on display until 6 p.m.
   The Legacy of the Residential School System: An Event of National Historic Significance, a nine-minute film from Parks Canada will play continuously in the exhibition space.
3. Micro-exhibit (Community Room)
   On loan from the Stratford Perth Museum, the exhibit showcases more than 10,000 years of archaeological evidence indicating long-term Indigenous settlement along Stratford’s Avon River.
4. Orange t-shirts by Howling Moon Aboriginal Arts available for purchase (Community Room)
5. Solidarity Walk around the Avon River, led by Cree poet Scott Tilson, departing from the FFC Tipi at 6 p.m.
   
   

Stratford Public Library

1. Orange Shirt Storywalk (Library Garden)
   September 21-30 
   During Truth and Reconciliation Week, experience the powerful true story behind Orange Shirt Day through our Orange Shirt Story Walk in the front garden. The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad shares her personal experience as a six-year-old beginning her first day at residential school.
2. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Look & Learn (Children's Floor)
   September 25-30
   This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activity invites visitors to explore a display of orange shirts featuring artwork and designs by Indigenous artists. The display provides an opportunity for reflection, learning, and consideration of the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
3. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch & Learn Viewing Series (Library Auditorium)
    September 21-25 at 1 p.m.
   In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Stratford Public Library invites adults to join us for a week-long viewing series of Lunch & Learn Library sessions presented by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Sessions explore key issues related to truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous experiences in Canada.
   
   

Stratford Perth Museum

1. Free admission on September 30 (donations welcome)
2. The Tipi of Huron-Perth will be available for viewing
   
   

City of Stratford

1. "Steps to Reconciliation" self-guided walk, series of temporary signage along river walkway by Lower Queens Park (William St. and Hillcrest Dr. area)
   September 25-30, all day
   
2. Survivors' flag raising (City Hall)
   September 30 at 8:30 a.m.
    
   

STRATFEST@HOME

September 21-October 2

Free access to Indigenous content on STRATFEST@HOME

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