The Moose Hide Campaign Day will take place across Canada on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.
Since the Campaign began over 10 years ago along the Highway of Tears, thousands of communities and organizations across Canada have held Moose Hide Campaign events and joined the annual Moose Hide Campaign Day ceremony and fast. People of all ages, genders and backgrounds are invited to take part in Moose Hide Campaign activities.
The campaign is grounded in Indigenous ceremony and traditional ways of learning and healing. A cornerstone of the Moose Hide Campaign is the moose hide pin. Wearing the pin signifies your commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. To date, over four million moose hide pins have been distributed free of charge to communities, schools, and workplaces across Canada.
Why Moose Hide?
Moose hide is a symbol of taking a stand against violence and undoing the effects of residential schools.
Co-founders Paul and his daughter Raven were hunting moose to help feed their family for the winter and provide for cultural purposes. This was a grounding tradition on their land that passed knowledge from one generation to the other, something the residential school system tried to erase.
They felt connected to their surroundings within the Carrier territory along the Highway of Tears in Northern B.C. where so many women have gone missing or been murdered and they were inspired. Paul knew his young daughter deserved a life of dignity and respect, free from violence.
And so, it began… a cultural tradition of generational teachings became a symbol of a responsible, meaningful pledge.
A commitment to take action in honour of women and children everywhere, and a symbol of honouring Indigenous medicine and belonging that is here to stay.
www.moosehidecampaign.ca
Here in Clearwater, on the traditional and unceded territories of the Secwepemc Nation, the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society will be honouring the day with a dinner and speeches. This event will be held May 16 at the Clearwater Legion. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and speeches and an informational video will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner and door prizes to follow.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Clearwater Legion, Kalen and the Gateway Grill for catering, to our volunteers and to our sponsors and partners within the community.
Lindsay MacInnes on behalf of the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society
