John Abbott College and its partners welcomed Phyllis Webstad to campus for a special keynote address leading up to Orange Shirt Day.

Pictured left to right: Kim Tekakwitha Martin, dean, Indigenous Education, John Abbott College; Phyllis Webstad, CEO and co-founder, Orange Shirt Society; and Brittanny Janvier, director, Indigenous Initiatives, McGill.

The event was held Monday in partnership with McGill University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (the school board of Nunavik).

Webstad, founder and CEO of the Orange Shirt Society, shared her personal story of attending the St. Joseph Mission residential school at the age of six, where her new orange shirt was taken from her. Her experience became the foundation for Orange Shirt Day and its message: every child matters.

Throughout her presentation, Webstad spoke about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, sharing stories about her mother and grandmother and how those experiences continue to affect families today. She also spoke about the work of the Orange Shirt Society, the importance of supporting survivors and the ongoing work to uncover and preserve the truth of what happened at residential schools.

The event also featured Kim Tekakwitha Martin, John Abbott College’s Dean of Indigenous Education, who spoke about Indigenous education and the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous students and employees feel welcomed, respected and supported.

Martin became JAC’s first Dean of Indigenous Education in 2023, establishing the first position of its kind in the CEGEP network. The role reflects the College’s commitment to strengthening Indigenous education, student support and relationships with Indigenous communities. Martin provides leadership for Indigenous education initiatives across the College, including its daytime programs and Continuing Education.

At John Abbott, this work includes partnerships with the Cree School Board and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the Crossroads transition program for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and the Indigenous Studies Certificate. The College is also working with Indigenous partners on culturally responsive approaches to education, including a current project to develop a toolkit for Indigenous students transitioning into post-secondary classrooms. Our commitment is also reflected in JAC’s signing of the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol, which provides a framework for colleges and institutes to advance Indigenous education and reconciliation.

The event follows a week of Indigenous community and cultural programming. On Friday, the McGill University and John Abbott College Pow Wow celebrated its 25th anniversary, bringing together elders, artists, community organizations, students, staff and visitors at McGill’s Macdonald Campus. Through music, dance, food and cultural vendors, the Pow Wow created a space to celebrate Indigenous cultures and strengthen relationships across our communities.