Written by Phyllis Webstad, an award-winning author from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and founder of Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters is a thoughtful story that captures the spirit and resilience of Indigenous Peoples both past and present. Through simple yet powerful text, this book offers readers an honest insight into the lived experience of Phyllis and other children who were taken away from their communities and families to stay in residential schools. Tsilhqot’in and Syílx illustrator Karlene Harvey artfully surrounds the darkness of residential school with bright and colourful images that depict culture, ceremony, strength, and connection. Every Child Matters is situated perfectly for K–3 classrooms, exploring Canada’s history with residential schools. As a resource to mark Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this story also offers Teachings on culture and identity and gives readers the persistent message that “You Matter.”

Other End Matter: Author/illustrator notes, Orange Shirt Day information, Glossary, Teacher lesson plan
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Phyllis Webstad (Northern Secwépemc from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation), Illustrator Karlene Harvey (Tsilhqot’in and Syílx)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Phyllis Webstad's profile page

KARLENE HARVEY est une illustratrice autochtone (Tsilhqot’in et Syilx) résidant à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique. Elle a notamment illustré Joue du tambour avec ton coeur et Chaque enfant compte. Karlene est conseillère en art autochtone à l’Université de Colombie-Britannique, et quand elle ne crée pas, elle étudie la langue tsilhqot’in et écrit ses propres histoires.

KARLENE HARVEY is a Tsilhqot’in and Syilx illustrator who resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is the illustrator of Drum from the Heart and Every Child Matters. Karlene is an Indigenous Arts Advisor at the University of British Columbia, and when she's not making art she enjoys Tsilhqot’in language studies and writing her own stories.

Karlene Harvey's profile page

Marie-Christine Payette's profile page

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, Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation
"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