Laurentian University has announced it will be an ambassador campus for the Moose Hide Campaign, a reconciliation movement seeking to end violence against women and children.
Since its inception in 2011, the Moose Hide Campaign has called on communities to come together in unity towards collective action and healing.
A virtual event in honour of the campaign took place earlier today (Feb. 25), featuring guest speaker Brent Bissaillion, Chief of Serpent River First Nation.
“We’ll have one or two other speakers as well, and we are trying to get some drummers onboard,” 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.
“We will also do an honour song for the women and children, which is basically a prayer for them.” A sacred fire was also to be lit to pay tribute to persons who have been victimized by acts of violence.
The campaign is a pledge to stand up with women and children and speak out against violence towards them, as well as support other men and hold each other accountable.
Women, girls and all genders are also very much welcome to support the campaign and its goals.
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.
“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,” said Lightning.
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.”
“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,” said Dr. Susan Manitowabi, Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs. “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 Feb. 25 is the date that the university will honour the campaign, the National Moose Hide Campaign day is planned for May 12.
A commitment to the campaign can be made by making a pledge to take a stand against violence towards women and children via the National Moose Hide campaign website.
