School Programs

Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Day Program

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.

K–3 Program

Introduce young learners to Phyllis Webstad’s story through gentle, age-appropriate lessons that foster empathy, kindness, and understanding. Children will watch Phyllis share her experiences, enjoy readings of her picture books, and participate in engaging activities designed to encourage thoughtful conversations and reflection.

4–8 Program

Help students build a deeper understanding of the history and lasting impacts of residential schools through Phyllis Webstad’s powerful first-person storytelling. This program combines video lessons, book readings, and interactive learning activities that encourage critical thinking, meaningful discussion, and connections to Truth and Reconciliation.

9–12 and Adult Program 

Engage learners with an in-depth exploration of residential schools and their ongoing impacts through Phyllis Webstad’s firsthand account. Designed for older students and adult learners, this program features powerful video presentations accompanied by facilitator guides, discussion prompts, and reflective learning activities that support meaningful conversations about Truth and Reconciliation, resilience, and reconciliation in today’s world.

Peter Thomas Mckay’s K-8 Program

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. Some videos are accompanied with lessons to make full use of the knowledge being shared.