Description
Learn the meaning behind the phrase, ‘Every Child Matters.' Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement. Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation. If you're a Residential School Survivor or an Intergenerational Survivor - you matter. For the children who didn't make it home - you matter. The child inside every one of us matters. Every Child Matters.
Author Bio
Karlene Harvey is Tŝilhqot’in and Syilx and currently lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They studied at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, earning a BFA in visual arts. When they are not making art, Karlene enjoys exploring rocky West Coast beaches with their daughter, learning their Tŝilhqot’in language, and spending time in their garden.
Review Quotes
Every Child Matters speaks to all Indigenous Peoples - past and present - whose lives have been impacted by the residential school system. Phyllis and Karlene beautifully honour the unity, strength and resolve shared by Survivors, their families and their communities. Residential schools took our children and tried to break their vibrant spirits. With this book, the children of today can learn the truths of this history and how they can play a part in making sure every child matters. – Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation
"A lesson in acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual... the repetition and lyrical lines are effective in engaging readers... will tug at the heart of the compassionate reader." -Children's Literature, A CLCD Company
"Residential schools and their enforcers taught Indigenous children that they did not matter, but [Phyllis] Webstad seeks to turn the page on intergenerational trauma and promote healing... Every Child Matters tells children about the history and impact of the residential school system, while emphasizing the importance of culture, reconciliation and resilience." -- BC BookLook
"A lesson in acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual... the repetition and lyrical lines are effective in engaging readers... will tug at the heart of the compassionate reader." -Children's Literature, A CLCD Company
"Residential schools and their enforcers taught Indigenous children that they did not matter, but [Phyllis] Webstad seeks to turn the page on intergenerational trauma and promote healing... Every Child Matters tells children about the history and impact of the residential school system, while emphasizing the importance of culture, reconciliation and resilience." -- BC BookLook
Biographical note
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. Through sharing her personal Orange Shirt Story, Phyllis has inspired 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.
