The Moose Hide Campaign is holding a day of ceremony, where men and boys are called on to stand up against violence towards women and children.
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous initiative that started 11 years ago with a small gathering of men and boys who wanted to raise awareness of the increasing violence towards Indigenous women and children, according to the campaign’s website.
Now, the event has grown across Canada where men and boys across the country are asked to fast from sunrise to sunset and reflect on ways to create safe families, communities and a safe country for all women and children.
In 2021, the event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so this year marks the first in-person event since 2020.
Throughout the day, events will be livestreamed on the campaign’s website, including Traditional Welcome and Opening Protocols at 8:30 a.m., a K-12 Traditional Welcome at 10:30 a.m., the Walk to End Violence at noon, and fast-breaking at 8 p.m.
The Walk to End Violence will take place around the B.C. Legislature, beginning at Thunderbird Park, ending at the Knowledge Totem on the Legislature grounds.
At the Knowledge Totem, participants are invited to watch traditional ceremonies and hear from keynote speakers.
According to the website, the campaign is targeted at men and boys in an effort to have more males stand up against domestic violence.
“While the campaign agrees that all forms of violence are unacceptable regardless of gender, we are keenly aware that violence against women and children has been an unacceptable reality for generations. We know that women are far more likely to be victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment than men,” according to the FAQ on the website.
“And while women have been at the forefront of efforts to end domestic violence, gender-based violence and inequality, men have largely been absent in these efforts. It is time for men to join these efforts and work together to encourage a culture of healthy masculinity.”
Laura Brougham
