Members of the Legislative Assembly are standing up against violence faced by Aboriginal women in support of the fourth annual Moose Hide Campaign.

The Moose Hide Campaign was created by the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to encourage men to stand up against violence and abuse affecting women and children. To show their commitment, participants wear a small moose hide patch as a symbol of their pledge to protect, honour and respect the women and children in their lives, and work together to end violence.

MLAs will wear patches in the legislature on Thursday, Feb. 12. As well, hundreds of men throughout B.C. will take part in a one-day fast to show of empathy for women affected by violence.

(flickr.com)

The B.C. government is committed to creating a legacy of safety for vulnerable women in B.C. by working to change the systemic issues that lead to violence. Recognizing that ending violence is everyone’s responsibility, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation is working with the Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, Aboriginal leaders and communities to identify and support programs to improve the lives of Aboriginal women across the province.

In Canada, Aboriginal women 15 years and older are three times more likely to experience violence and be assaulted by their partner than non-Aboriginal women. The Moose Hide Campaign recognizes the vast majority of those responsible for violence are men, and encourages men to serve as role models.

Spurred by the Moose Hide Campaign, growing numbers of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men are joining the conversation, standing up and declaring that violence is never acceptable, and that good men treat women with respect and honour.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“We are working in partnership with Aboriginal leaders and communities to advocate for a change in behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children. Part of what perpetuates that violence is a culture of silence that suggests acceptance. The Government of B.C. stands proudly alongside the Aboriginal men who have created and grown this unique campaign.”

Paul Lacerte, Moose Hide Campaign founder and B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres executive director -

“Our goal is to re-shape our society to one where women are treated with love and respect at all times. The level of violence towards women in this country is shocking and totally unacceptable. We need to do more as men to support each other in our healing and also hold each other accountable for our actions. We need to stop taking a backseat on this issue and help drive the change together.”

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

“The Moose Hide anti-violence campaign brings much-needed awareness to the brutal reality of domestic violence in British Columbia. Aboriginal women and children - and all women and children - need to know they are not alone and that there are people who care about them and who will help them to rebuild their lives and live violence free.”

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

“Our government has launched Violence Free BC as a long-term strategy to end violence against women. It requires true partnership for success and today’s Moose Hide campaign demonstrates the power, and importance, of British Columbians standing together to end the violence and show that this is not only a women’s issue - it’s everyone’s issue.”

Quick Facts:

• The Moose Hide Campaign was established by Paul Lacerte, executive director of the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, following a hunting trip with his daughter along the Highway 16 in August 2011.
• The first campaign was held in Victoria. Moose Hide Campaign events are now held in communities throughout B.C. and Canada.
• In 2014, the Province of B.C. made a throne-speech commitment for a long-term strategy to move toward a violence-free B.C. The Violence Free BC strategy officially launched on Feb. 6, 2015.
• The Violence Free BC strategy is a long-term commitment to end violence against women in B.C., and begins with up to $3 million in civil forfeiture proceeds this year to support anti-violence and prevention initiatives. 
• The Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women (MACAW) was created to provide advice to government on how to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal women.
• In June 2014, on MACAW’s recommendation, the provincial government signed a new memorandum of understanding with Aboriginal leaders confirming a shared commitment to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
• In December 2014, MACAW chose 37 anti-violence projects across B.C. to share $400,000 in provincial funds, with $50,000 set aside for an anti-violence forum in the fall of 2015.
• In March 2012, the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence was created to strengthen supports available for children, women and families affected by domestic violence. The three-year, $5.5-million plan includes funding for specialized programs for Aboriginal people affected by domestic violence.

Learn More:

Moose Hide Campaign: http://moosehidecampaign.ca/

Read about the meaning of the Moose Hide Campaign to a young Aboriginal woman: http://ow.ly/IXsPE

Violence Free B.C. Strategy: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victimservices/shareddocs/pubs/violence-free-bc.pdf

BC Domestic Violence Plan: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/pdf/dv_pp_booklet.pdf

BC Office of Domestic Violence: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/

Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=6E3FBA83092947B4BC42BC71A0A19B48

Media Contacts:

Lisa Leslie
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 213-7724