May 11 - 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.
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 their Carrier territory along the Highway of Tears in Northern BC 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.
