The history of the Moose Hide Campaign and how to get involved

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Systemically, Indigenous people and women across Canada have been subject to hardships, violence and adversity.

A look at statistics shows that 44% of women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of violence since the age of 15 – and it’s worse for Indigenous women with the percentage rising to 61%.

The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement for all Canadians, particularly men and boys, to stand up to end violence against women and children.

The inspiration for the campaign came in 2011 when co-founders Paul Lacerte and his daughter Raven were reflecting on the sorrow of the Highway of Tears in northern British Columbia.

The Highway of Tears is a 725-kilometre corridor of highway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, where so many Indigenous women have been reported missing and murdered since 1970.

Mourning the tragedy and loss of life for so many women, Paul and Raven brought down a moose that would help feed the family for the winter season and decided to use its hide to create the very first moose hide pins.

Since then, the campaign has grown into a nation-wide anti-violence movement with thousands of participating communities, organizations and institutions. Over three million pins have been distributed across the country since its inception.

Historically, efforts to address and stop domestic and gender-based violence were led by women and women’s organizations. However, the Moose Hide Campaign looks to men and boys to step up and take action against violence and challenge conventional masculine behaviours that lead to violence to develop a culture of healthy masculinity.

For all who proudly wear it, the moose hide pin is a commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in their lives as well as work to end gender-based violence and take action towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

This year, Moose Hide Campaign Day is celebrated on May 12.

The campaign challenges advocates to fast together for one day from sunrise to sunset to deepen their experience and reflect on ways to create safe families and communities for all women and children. This practice is intended to encourage participants to come out of the fast with clarity and intention.

Supporters can also get involved by joining the Moose Hide Campaign Day live stream on May 12. The engaging live stream will feature traditional ceremonies, keynote speakers and interactive online workshops with traditional knowledge keepers and facilitators.

Other ways to participate in the campaign include: