Description
Medicine Wheel Publishing is committed to sharing diverse voices and perspectives, creating a platform for stories that celebrate Indigenous cultures and inspire understanding and respect among readers of all ages.
About the Author
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. Phyllis is the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and has inspired thousands of people to honor 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. Karlene Harvey is Tsilhqot'in and Syilx and grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. She studied at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, earning a BFA in Visual Arts. Representation is important to her, she likes to consider how she can include varying forms of representation within the work that she does. Karlene currently lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tseil-Waututh people.
Reviews
"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, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
"Phyllis Webstad's new book, Every Child Matters, is a brilliantly illustrated and meticulously written narrative. It is a must-read. It is compelling and cements the value and worth of all little children into the Canadian psyche. She goes beyond the simple and terse proclamation to lay out a blueprint for achieving this noble truth. Sing your songs, dance your dances, she says. Speak your languages. 'No matter what color on the medicine wheel you are, you matter. Every child matters in the past, present, and the future.'"
-Chief Robert Joseph
"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
Book Information
ISBN 9781778540165
Author Phyllis Webstad
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint Medicine Wheel
Publisher Medicine Wheel
