(February 17, 2022) - The is a reconciliation movement that seeks to end violence against women and children. Since its inception in 2011, it asks for communities and campuses to stand together in unity towards collective action and healing.
Leading up to the Moose Hide Campaign, moose hide pins are distributed across the community to be worn by those who seek to end violence against women and children. About this, Paskwa Lightning, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) Community and Student Engagement Coordinator, who also serves as the unit’s Social Media and Events Coordinator, attested that “it’s up to all of us, not just men and boys, but as a society, to participate in these types of campaigns that help us bring awareness to this issue.” Moose hide pins encourage dialogue on the topic of violence against women and children, and according to Lightning, “the data that we have is that every pin sparks about ten conversations.”
Laurentian’s ISA office will honour the campaign with a virtual event on February 25, 2022. This event has as confirmed guest speaker, Chief of Serpent River First Nation, Brent Bissaillion. Describing more about this year’s campaign, Lightning provided that: “We’ll have one or two other speakers as well, and we are trying to get some drummers onboard. We will also do an honour song for the women and children. The honour song is basically a prayer for them.” A sacred fire will also pay tribute to persons who have been victimized by acts of violence.
Dr. Susan Manitowabi, Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs added: “The Moose Hide campaign is one way that the Laurentian community can contribute to raising awareness about ending the violence to Indigenous women and children. Perhaps, each and everyone of us can take a few moments to reflect on what we can do personally to stop the violence towards Indigenous women and children. For example, having the moral courage to say or do something when we witness acts of violence.”
Laurentian staff, faculty and students are encouraged to participate as are community members across Greater Sudbury and surrounding regions. While February 25, 2022 is the date that the University will honour the campaign, the National Moose Hide Campaign day is planned for May 12, 2022.
A commitment to the campaign can be made by making a pledge to take a stand against violence towards women and children via the .