Canadian National Indigenous History Month Event with Phyllis Webstad and Smoke Trail Cultural Group

My personal notes from a work event celebrating Canada’s National Indigenous History Month 2025.

Welcome

Acknowledgement of host Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT). “Since 1962 the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto has been a key meeting place for all people, of all nations, from across Canada and all over the world. As Torontos oldest Indigenous community organization and one of the original Friendship Centres in Canada, the NCCT provides social, recreational, cultural and spiritual services for the Indigenous community and visitors alike.” - About NCCT

Welcomes by event organizers and leaders and land acknowledgement: we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledges that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

Session helps with TRC call to action 57 for public servants to continue education on indigenous history, culture, and law and rights.

Opening Drum and Dance Performance by Smoke Trail Cultural Group

First Nation drummers and singers showing different categories of dance, song, and rhythm.

Phyllis Webstad, Founder of Orange Shirt Day. Ambassador for Orange Shirt Society

Shares her story and as a St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School Survivor in 1973/74.

Story through pictures:

• Wrote books: The Orange Shirt Story, Beyond the Orange Shirt Story
• Sockeye Salmon Fishing and fish preparation on the Fraser River as a family
• Fish is hung in racks with some smoke at bottom to prevent flies
• Home, no insulation and had to keep stove going to stay warm
• Background of Orange Shirt day