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The Orange Shirt Story: The True Story of Orange Shirt Day

Elementary

Description

Six-year-old Phyllis was excited about heading off to her new school, especially when her grandmother purchased the bright orange shirt, she chose to wear on her first day.  Upon entering St. Joseph's Mission School, Phyllis's excitement turned to fear as she realized she was losing everything she treasured, starting with her special shirt. Surviving the cold, harsh despair of the church institution depended on the resiliency of this small child who dreamed of returning to her grandmother's loving home.  This true story explains why the orange shirt worn by Phyllis Webstad represents a movement honouring the lives of First Nations children who never returned home and how we must all never forget that “every child matters.”

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Orange Shirt Day on September 30th has become a national event occurring in schools and communities throughout Canada.  Phyllis Webstad's book brings the orange shirt story to life for young students learning about this important day.  The story also provides an excellent starting point for classroom discussions regarding identity, discrimination and human rights.  Students will be able to connect with the feelings and experiences of Phyllis while identifying their own beliefs and values about cultural diversity.

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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us.
        • Stories can be understood from different perspectives
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
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      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • First peoples and European Contact: Demographic changes in North America created shifts in economic and political power.
        • First peoples and European Contact: Interactions between First Peoples and Europeans lead to conflict and cooperation, which continues to shape Canada’s identity
        • Fist peoples and European Contact: British Columbia followed a unique path in becoming a part of Canada.

Themes Addressed

Human Rights (2)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Social Justice

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews

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