The founder of Orange Shirt Day and an Indigenous survivor of the Canadian residential school system, Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack), has released the kidlit picture book Every Child Matters (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2023). The story details Webstad’s harrowing experience at residential school. Indigenous children were taught they did not matter, but Webstad seeks to turn the page on inter-generational trauma and promote healing. With illustrations by Karlene Harvey, Every Child Matters tells of the impact of the residential school system, while emphasizing the importance of culture, reconciliation and resilience.

BOOKS:

The Orange Shirt Story (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2018) 9780993869495. Illustrated by Brock Nicol.

Phyllis's Orange Shirt (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2019) 9781989122242. Illustrated by Brock Nicol.

Orange Shirt Day: September 30 (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2020) 9781989122433

Beyond the Orange Shirt Story: A Collection of Stories From Family and Friends of Phyllis Webstad - Before, During, and After Their Residential School Experiences (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2021) 9781989122754

With Our Orange Hearts (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2022) 9781989122754. Illustrated by Emily Kewageshig.

Every Child Matters (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2023) 9781778540165. Illustrated by Karlene Harvey.

[BCBW 2023]