Orange Shirt Day founder decries rebel-news T-shirts that mock residential school truth

Phyllis Webstad, who created Orange Shirt Day after her own orange shirt was taken at a residential school, condemned the sale of orange T-shirts by Rebel News that feature slogans denying the legacy of those schools. She said the shirts “push aside” her truth and hurt survivors. Rebel News founder Ezra Levant defended the shirts as a response to “forced” political narratives and claimed they promote freedom of expression.

Canadian officials, including Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and members of the Liberal Indigenous Caucus, denounced the merchandise as a disgraceful exploitation of Indigenous suffering. Webstad reiterated that survivors are not liars and called for legal measures to criminalize residential-school denialism. Academics and NDP MP Leah Gazan also warned that such products spread hate and undermine reconciliation efforts.