Cultural Connections: Secwepemc and Irish/French

Home Base: Williams Lake, BC

Website: www.orangeshirtday.org

Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. In 2018 Phyllis Webstad launched her children’s book called “The Orange Shirt Story” to share her story in her own words. The Orange shirt story tells the story of young Phyllis having her orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school and never to see it again. A simple orange shirt has become a conversation starter for all aspects of residential school across Canada and beyond. Phyllis has inspired thousands and thousands of people to honour residential school survivors and their families and share the call on September 30th of each year that “EVERY CHILD MATTERS.” Phyllis is well respected for her work, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.

Cultural Connections: Cree/Danish/Metis

Home Base: Red Deer, Alberta

Website: Not Available

Corky is a proud Cree/Danish Metis Elder with roots in Red Deer and Maskwacis First Nations. She lives her life according to the traditional indigenous teachings that saved her life. These teachings flow from her parents, her 93-year-old Kokom, Christine Joseph of Cochrane, aunties, uncles, as well as from the Goodstrikers, Williams and John Crier families, all of whom she loves immensely. Corky serves as a member of the National Collective of the Walking With Our Sisters missing and murdered indigenous women awareness movement and a proud member of Red Deer’s Red Feather Women. She is also a member of the Urban Aboriginal Voices Women’s Council and Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network.

Cultural Connections: Haida

Home Base: Haida Gwaii

Website: www.sharkhouse.ca

Ḵung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a traditional Haida storyteller, singer and drummer from Haida Gwaii in Northern British Columbia. She teaches Xaad Kil/Haida language and culture five days a week. For more than 24 years, she has delighted audiences across Canada at festivals, schools, museums, aboriginal celebrations and conferences. Ḵung Jaadee loves singing her traditional Haida songs, drumming, laughing, baking and learning her language. Her name was presented to her at her great uncle’s memorial feast by her cousin, Crystal Robinson, and means ‘Moon Woman’.

Juliana Armstrong, a Teacher of Anishnaabemowin Language & Culture first became an artist after growing up watching her Mother and Gokmis crafting. The natural world around her as well as carrying her children during pregnancy have inspired most of her work. With great appreciation for the Ojibway Culture and Language, it is important for her to share her gifts such as art. Raised on Christian Island, she is a member of and resides in Nipissing First Nation, Ontario.