Orange Shirt Society
Our Team
The Orange Shirt Society was founded by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad and other passionate individuals. We have Indigenous Staff and Board Members. Our Staff and volunteer Board Members govern the Society and are a group dedicated to supporting our mission.
We gratefully acknowledge that the Orange Shirt Society Office is located on the unceded traditional lands of the T’exelcemc, or Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), a member of the Secwepemc Nation (Shuswap people) located in the central interior of British Columbia.
Phyllis Webstad
Founder/CEO + Board Member
As founder of Orange Shirt Day and ambassador for Orange Shirt Society, Phyllis Webstad facilitates dialogue around the Indian Residential School system and creates space for healing. Orange Shirt Day, recognized annually on September 30, is a day for people to reflect, educate themselves and commit to Truth and Reconciliation.
The Orange Shirt Society was created as a legacy to Phyllis’ Orange Shirt Day. The society works to further the message of Indian Residential School survivors. The non-profit organization is located in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and the board of directors consists of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. Phyllis works full-time with the society.
Over Phyllis’s career she has acquired diplomas in both Business Administration from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Accounting from Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She received the TRU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017 for her unprecedented impact on local, provincial, national and international communities through the sharing of her orange shirt story.
A published author, Phyllis has three books that share her story in her own words – Orange Shirt Story; Phyllis’ Orange Shirt; and Beyond the Orange Shirt Story. Due to Phyllis’ work, a simple orange shirt has become a conversation starter for all aspects of Indian Residential Schools across the country and beyond its borders.
Phyllis is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), and she currently resides in Williams Lake, British Columbia with her husband.
Finding comfort in the outdoors, Phyllis can often be found in nature or going for walks outside as it allows her to feel grounded and connected to the land.
Our Staff
Sarah Philbrick
Executive Assistant and Support to the founder/CEO
Michael Hails
Orange Jersey Project Assistant Manager
Michael joins the team to continue the development of the Orange Jersey Project.
Sara Fulton
Executive Office Manager
I have two amazing boys that are very active. Their love for hockey and mountain biking, among other things, keep me on my toes all year round.
In 2004 I obtained my Business Office Assistant with Bookkeeping Applications diploma from TRU, then the University College of the Cariboo.In 2016 I obtained my Organic Master Gardener diploma from Gaia College. I ran my own organic landscaping company for a few years, which I loved, but ended up with a back injury. I still love educating people on how to garden organically and positively impact Mother Nature.
I enjoy almost anything outdoors and find comfort and connection in nature. I love mountain biking, hiking, motorbiking, paddle boarding, fishing, walking my dog, and camping. The list goes on and on. I love big adventures, but it’s the little things in life that bring me joy, a friendly smile, the sunshine on the trees, the birds singing in the morning!
Elaine Kinequon
Executive Assistant and Board Support
Elaine has over twenty years of office and administrative experience, where she held several roles in Office Administration and Management. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the First Nations University of Canada and also attended the Indian Communications Arts Program, and also completed an Office Administration program.
She firmly believes in her cultural roots, has tremendous respect for all modalities of holistic healing, and participates as much as possible. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, walking, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Laughter is a big part of our culture, and when family and friends get together, you can ensure a lot of laughter.
Board of Directors
Shannon Henderson
President
Mary Gerges
Board of Director -Secretary
Mary was also pivotal in leading the development of a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, an Indigenous Talent and Recruitment Strategy, and Indigenous Communities Plan to support Vancity Credit Union in reflecting the diversity of its members, internally enhancing a culture of inclusion, following through on its commitment to reconciliation and delivering financial products and solutions that are relevant to diverse client needs.
Mary’s passion for working in the Diversity and Inclusion space stems from her experience working on multiple reconciliation files including the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and with Indigenous non-profits such as Reconciliation Canada and Indigenous Tourism BC. As a woman of African ancestry she is committed to decolonization and working in solidarity alongside all marginalized communities.
Mary is currently Executive Director, Reconciliation and Equity Strategies at BC Housing. She is also a recent YWCA Women of Distinction award nominee in the category of Reconciliation in Action (ally).
Chief Willie Sellars
Board of Director
Willie is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” which won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow, and Ontario Library Association awards. His second book, “Hockey with Dad,” released in the Fall of 2021. Willie enjoys his family time with his partner and four kids, playing hockey with the Williams Lake Stampeders, attending community events at WLFN, dipnetting, and playing fastball.
Reconciliation happens when we all do our part!
Reconciliation happens when we all do our part! Donate today to support our mission and future Orange Shirt Society activities.