New Westminster has joined other communities in declaring May 12 as Moose Hide Campaign Day.
The Moose Hide Campaign Day proclamation, approved by city council May 9, states that the campaign is an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up to end violence against women and children. It was founded in B.C. in response to the injustices and violence faced by many women and children in Canada, particularly those who are Indigenous.
According to the proclamation, it’s estimated half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of violence since the age of 16, and this reality is worse for Indigenous women.
“The Moose Hide Campaign has distributed nearly three million moose hide pins that each spark five conversations about issues of violence against women and children,” states the proclamation. “Wearing the moose hide pin demonstrates a commitments to honour, respect and protect the women and children in your life, end gender-based violence and take meaningful action towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
Details about how you can support Moose Hide Campaign are found at www.moosehidecampaign.ca.
Premier John Horgan, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin and Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Grace Lore issued a joint statement in support of Moose Hide Campaign Day.
"The Moose Hide Campaign Day in B.C. is a time for everyone to stand together, steadfast in our commitment to end violence against women and children,” they said. “We must work together to create a safer world for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people that is shaped by survivors, family members and communities.”
In its statement, the province noted the Moose Hide Campaign calls on men in our families and communities to stand up as leaders and speak out against gender-based violence.
"For 11 years, the Moose Hide Campaign has been raising awareness about violence against women and girls. The world has seen an increase in rates of intimate partner violence during the global COVID-19 pandemic, making the work of the campaign more important than ever,” they said. “Every moose hide pin sparks a conversation that could save lives.”
