Meritorious Service Cross

• Awarded on: May 3, 2021

Phyllis M.C. Webstad, M.S.C.
Williams Lake, British Columbia

Phyllis Webstad inspired Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30, when Canadians show their support for residential school survivors by wearing orange. She courageously shared her story, seen through a child’s eyes, of her first day at residential school, when her special orange shirt was taken away. Her poignant memories have generated a better understanding of the impact of the Indian Residential School System and the importance of reconciliation.