Williams Lake's Phyllis Webstad, the author and advocate and founder of Orange Shirt Day, will be one of four people to receive a 2024 B.C. Reconciliation Award.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation, announced the recipients of the fourth British Columbia Reconciliation Award on Nov. 5.
The award recognizes four individuals and two organizations the province feels have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
"The stories of this year's B.C. Reconciliation Award recipients give me hope," said Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. "These are stories that awaken hearts to the truths of some of the most difficult history of our country, but also stories of resilience, generosity, healing and bravery. Every year, I am deeply inspired by the work of these recipients, the depth of their communities, and their commitment to authentic, respectful relationship building."
This year's individual recipients alongside Webstad are: Sdahl Ḵ'awaas, Lucy Bell, from Old Massett, retired corporal Chris Gosselin M.O.M. of West Kelowna, and Gloria Morgan of Enderby.
The 2024 organizational recipients are: Qwelmínte Secwépemc in Kamloops and Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in Port Alberni.
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th lieutenant governor of British Columbia and a founder of the award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the B.C. Parliament Buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that "we are all in the same canoe" and must "paddle together" to move forward.
In honour of this legacy, this year's recipients will receive a print of a canoe paddle designed by Tsm'syen/Nisga'a artist Shawna Kiesman to commemorate the award. Kiesman is the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. The paddle designed by Kiesman was installed alongside previous BC Reconciliation Award paddles at Government House in Victoria onTuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
The 2024 recipients of the B.C. Reconciliation Award will be recognized in a ceremony held at Government House in the new year.
Webstad is a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author and activist as well as a leading voice in raising awareness of the painful legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
She is a member of the Stswecem'c Xgat' First Nation (formerly known as Dog Creek/Canoe Creek) and a founding member of the Orange Shirt Society, dedicated to educating the public about the lasting trauma of these institutions and honouring survivors and their families.
Her activism began in 2013 when she shared her own residential school experience, which inspired the creation of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Webstad is also a member of the Survivors Circle, to support fellow survivors and promote healing. She is the author of two children's books, The Orange Shirt Story and Every Child Matters, and was featured in the the film Returning Home.
