Presenters
Phyllis Webstad
Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwépemc and Irish/Scottish heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada.
Because of Phyllis and her story, a simple orange shirt has become a conversation starter and national symbol to honour residential school Survivors and their families. Phyllis is a founding member of Orange Shirt Day. She has received four honorary PhDs for her activism. In January 2025, she was honoured to receive the BC Reconciliation Award. At the time she was presented this award, a new award was announced, the Phyllis Webstad Emerging Leaders Youth Award.
Peter Thomas McKay
Peter Thomas McKay / Galksi De’entkw, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., is an Educator from the Nisga’a First Nation along the Nass River Valley in the Northwest Coast region of British Columbia, Canada. Peter is born into the matrilineal fireweed fortress clan among the Killer Whale Crest People. His oral stories have been favourites both in his home community and in the schools where he works. He grew up hearing his language and cultural stories of his nation and clan through the many check-in visits to Elders during his adolescent grooming years with his Wolf Clan father.
In Peter’s courses, you will find videos of him telling stories that include meditation activities, formline workshops, and so much more. These videos are accompanied with lessons to make full use of the knowledge being shared.
