On September 16 2017, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership joined forces with the Moose Hide Campaign to deliver a feast at the Songhees Wellness Centre just outside Victoria. The evening was an opportunity to reflect as a community on a day of impactful programming, including our own One Wave Gathering and Moose Hide Campaign’s Regional Gathering. We are grateful for Moose Hide Campaign’s hospitality, and for the opportunity to deliberate on the Moose Hide message together.

The Moose Hide Campaign is a growing movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people committed to ending violence against women and girls. Supporters of the campaign demonstrate their commitment to a better future by wearing a small Moose Hide badge. In addition, Moose Hide Campaign delivers ongoing community engagement projects aimed at creating culturally informed supports and accountability mechanisms for men. To date, over 300,000 Moose Hide badges have been distributed across Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, one woman is killed every five days in a domestic homicide. 6,000 women are living in emergency shelters on any given day. Indigenous women are three times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

The Moose Hide Campaign was inspired by a hunting trip taken by founders Paul and Raven Lacerte just off of British Columbia’s Highway 16. The highway is popularly known as the ‘Highway of Tears’ for the high number of women and girls, mainly of Indigenous descent, who have been murdered or disappeared between Prince Rupert and Prince George.

What can you do?

We are all responsible for promoting gender equity, healthy relationships and positive ideas of masculinity. Learn about the impact of violence around you, and question how your own attitudes and behaviours may perpetuate this violence. Seek and offer support.

On February 15 2018, the Moose Hide Campaign will meet for the 8th consecutive year in Victoria, British Columbia. Thousands of men from across the province will take part in a fast to reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women, and access a range of supports. To get involved, visit moosehidecampaign.ca.