Government of Canada supports the Moose Hide Campaign - Campaign focuses on engaging men and boys to end violence against women and children

News Release

October 5, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – Status of Women Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and the Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, announced their support for the Moose Hide Campaign’s National Day of Fasting and Support. The Moose Hide Campaign and the McConnell Foundation are co-hosting the second National Moose Hide Campaign event today in Ottawa as one of the Moose Hide Campaign’s flagship activities for their Engaging Men and Boys National Strategy.

The National Day of Fasting and Support is an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to being part of the solution to prevent and address violence against women and children. The goal is to see 1,000 men join the Moose Hide Campaign fast.

By abstaining from eating and drinking for a day, participants are demonstrating their commitment to being part of the solution to end gender-based violence and to bringing about positive changes in our families, communities and society.

Quotes

“It is with respect and honour that I extend my support to the Moose Hide Campaign. Gender-based violence remains a reality for many Canadian women and girls, LGBTQ2 and non-binary gender people. Not only can it have long-lasting impacts on survivors, it affects everyone. It’s time for that to change. The Campaign’s important work demonstrates that people of all genders, men and boys included, all have a vital role to play in ending gender-based violence and ensuring healthy, safe and prosperous women, children and communities. Paul and Raven are an example of how every family can contribute to gender equality.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

“I join with so many federal public service employees in supporting this grassroots movement that is working to ensure the next and future generations of women and children feel respected and protected. The Moose Hide Campaign speaks to me directly and I am committed to its goals.”

The Honourable Scott Brison, P.C., M.P.
President of the Treasury Board

“Respect for one another is a fundamental element of our new Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. The Moose Hide Campaign is about everyone taking a stand, and Department of National Defence employees and Canadian Armed Forces members will do just that. We will all stand up and take action to end violence against women and children.”

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan

“Today marks an important step forward in our shared effort to end violence against women and children. Working together with Parliamentarians and the federal public service, we are fasting today to demonstrate our deep commitment to building a society in which women and children are treated with love and respect.”

Paul Lacerte
CEO and Co-Founder
Moose Hide Campaign Development Society

Quick Facts

  • The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men who are taking a stand against violence targeting women and children. In this campaign, wearing a small piece of moose hide signifies the wearer’s commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in their lives, and to work together with other men to end violence against women and children.

  • The inspiration for the Moose Hide Campaign came from a hunting expedition in northern B.C. in 2011 near Highway 16, “the Highway of Tears,” when campaign founder Paul Lacerte and his daughter Raven skinned a moose to feed the family over winter. The proximity to the highway sparked the idea that moose hide could be used as a symbol to end violence.

  • According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women experienced violence at a rate 2.7 times higher than that reported by non-Indigenous women.

  • It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, includes a commitment to engage men and boys on gender-based violence-related themes and the role that men and boys can play in preventing this form of violence.

  • Status of Women Canada supports this and similar initiatives that recognize that men and boys are part of the solution to addressing gender inequalities.

  • The Moose Hide Campaign takes place during Women’s History Month, a time for Canadians to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and recognize the trailblazing women who have shaped our country and way of life. 

Associated Links

Contacts

Célia Canon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
613-862-3270

Léonie Roux
Public Affairs Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-6821

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