This book invites readers to step into a space of reflection on your personal relationship with truth, reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day.
Written in response to the increase of residential school denialism, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeodThis book challenges readers through a series of sensitive conversations that explore decolonization, Indigenization, healing, and every person's individual responsibility to truth and reconciliation. Centered around the Orange Shirt Day movement, and a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, these conversations encourage readers to unpack and reckon with denialism, biases, privilege, and the journey forward, on both a personal and national level.
Within each chapter, Phyllis Webstaddraws on her decade of experience (sharing her Orange Shirt Story on a global level and advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples) to offer insights on these topics and stories from her personal journey, which co-author and Metis scholar, Kristy McLeod, helps readers to further navigate. Each section includes real denialist comments taken from social media and Kristy's analysis and response to them.
Through empathy-driven truth-telling, this book offers an opportunity to witness, reflect, heal, and be intentional about the seeds we hope to plant for the future, together.
By:
Phyllis Webstad,
Kristy McLeod
Imprint: Medicine Wheel
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions:
Height: 215mm,
Width: 139mm,
ISBN: 9781778540684
ISBN 10: 1778540686
Pages: 300
Publication Date: 06 November 2025
Recommended Age: From 18 years
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction General Introduction Phyllis’s Introduction Kristy’s Introduction Rationale for book Terminology for the Work of DecolonizationPart One: Denial of the Truth Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Denial of the Truth Understanding Denialism in Healing Forms of Denialism Directly Related to Decolonization Racist Stereotyping Indigenous Experiences with Racist Stereotypes Historical Denial Phyllis’ Experiences with Historical Denial Minimization Collective Reluctance and Its Purpose The Difference Between Dissociation and Denialism Effect of Denial and Denialism on Healing Denial of the Truth and You Conclusion Reflection Questions for You Part Two: Awareness and Acknowledgment of the Truth Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Awareness and Acknowledgement of the Truth Understanding, Awareness, and Acknowledgement in Healing Awareness and Acknowledgment of Canada’s Colonial History Key Moments of Colonization Indian Act Land Dispossession Forced Assimilation Cultural Suppression The Royal Proclamation Public Acknowledgements of Responsibility Awareness and Acknowledgement of the Truth and You Privilege Conclusion Reflection Questions for You Part Three: Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation Reckoning with the Past—Confronting Pain and Denial Taking Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation and You What is Allyship? Decolonizing Knowledge and Seeking Indigenous Perspectives Addressing the Injustices and Their Ongoing Effects Conclusion Reflection Questions for You Part Four: Moving Forward on the Path of Healing Together Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Moving Forward on the Path of Healing Together What is Reconciliation? Why Engage in Reconciliation? Reconciliation and You How Can Reconciliation Happen? When Will Reconciliation Be Done? Reflection Questions for You Endings and Beginnings: Cycles of Learning and Growth Afterword: “My whole life has been an act of decolonization” Sources
Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwépemc and Irish/Scottish heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. Phyllis has inspired thousands and thousands of people to honour 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 as an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Day, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.<p></p> Kristy McLeod is a registered Métis with family roots in the Lac St. Anne and Red River Settlements. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction exploring Métis Identity. Her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction was focused on how to create inclusive schools. She has been working as an educator in schools for the past 20+ years, both as a teacher in the K-12 system and as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria. She is Co-owner of PathWise Solutions Inc, a company focused on creating eLearning and training, as well as web solutions for diverse learning groups. She was chair of the Education Committee for the Métis Nation of Victoria and a Director at Large on its board since 2021. Her focus in all things she does is to recognize the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of consultation in creating unity.
Reviews for Decolonization and Me: Conversations about healing a Nation and Ourselves
“Decolonization and Me is essential reading for anyone interested in truth, justice, and reconciliation. Phyllis and Kristy’s honest reflections deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead in the work of building a better future.”- Sean Carleton, Author of Lessons in Legitimacy -- Sean Carleton * Blurb *
- Short-listed for BC and Yukon Book Prizes 2026 (Canada)
