The provincial government has boosted its commitment to end violence against women and children by proclaiming today, Feb. 16, 2017, as Moose Hide Campaign Day in British Columbia.

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Men from throughout the province are gathering in Victoria for the campaign’s annual day of workshops, healing circles and discussion about how men need to be part of the solution against violence.

One of the centrepieces of the day is a march to the steps of the B.C. parliament buildings in Victoria for a gathering with members of the legislature to demonstrate their support for the cause and solidarity with the men and women campaigning against violence.

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A key component of the Moose Hide Campaign is a symbolic sunrise-to-sunset fast through which men deepen their commitment to honour and protect the women and children in their lives. This year, participation extends to members of the public service and the B.C. legislature where men have been challenged to participate in any way they can, either by full or partial fast, or by wearing Moose Hide pins to show their support.

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While the campaign focuses on the responsibility of men to help end violence, women are also encouraged to participate by bearing witness to the fasting and by wearing their Moose Hide pins to signal their support.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Every day is the right day to raise awareness about violence and make a commitment to be part of the solution. Moose Hide Day is always an important day that focuses our attention and by proclaiming this day, our province is underlining the importance of this grassroots, B.C.-born campaign and doing our part to grow the movement.”

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Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“Domestic violence can have devastating, long-term effects on families, particularly if young children are witness to this violence. By working together – as individuals, neighbours, co-workers, and friends – we can make B.C. a safer place to live and raise a family.”

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice –

“Government alone cannot end violence against women and children. Individuals need to stand up and speak out. The Moose Hide Campaign is a great example of people coming together to take action so that future generations can grow and flourish in a violence-free B.C.”

Mike Morris, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety –

“One of our main responsibilities as citizens is to ensure that all members of our communities feel safe and secure in whatever environment they find themselves in. By putting the spotlight on violence through campaigns like Moose Hide, we send a strong message that it is okay to stand up and make your voice heard.”

Paul Lacerte, Executive Director, Moose Hide Campaign Development Society –

“Every year for the last six years we have gathered in Victoria to stand up as men and say that we must take responsibility for our actions and honour the women and children in our lives. Every year I have been humbled by the response of participants. To have today proclaimed as Moose Hide Campaign Day by the provincial government is another signal that together we are mighty, and together we can make a difference.”

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Quick Facts:

• The inspiration for the Moose Hide Campaign came from a hunting expedition in 2011 near Highway 16 when Paul Lacerte’s daughter, Raven, skinned a moose to feed the family over winter. The proximity to Highway 16 sparked the idea that moose hide could be used as a symbol to stop violence.
• 2017 is the sixth year the campaign has held a Moose Hide Campaign event in Victoria. Since it started in 2011, the campaign has distributed more than 500,000 moose-hide pins, and secured support and participation from the Assembly of First Nations, the B.C. legislature, the First Nations Health Society, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the RCMP B.C. Region and a host of First Nations communities throughout British Columbia.
• In 2016, the B.C. government provided $250,000 to support the campaign’s expansion. The aim is to increase outreach throughout British Columbia and Canada. Moose Hide has a vision of one million men fasting on Moose Hide Campaign Day in 2020.

Learn More:

Read the Proclamation: ow.ly/GxJM3092kcX

Video - Moose Hide: The Beginning: youtu.be/cRe5sB765lM

Video - Moose Hide: A Call to Action: youtu.be/5JfoovZYk6I

Video - Moose Hide: Spreading the Message: youtu.be/-UhQWR6QjRU

Video - Moose Hide: Talk about ending violence: youtu.be/dU5uWGHCHIM

Video - Moose Hide: Share the anti-violence message: youtu.be/nXmKL3lHsvY

Video - Moose Hide campaign expands country-wide: youtu.be/Xll8h4X9kFM

Moose Hide Campaign Development Society: moosehidecampaign.ca/

Provincial Domestic Violence Plan: ow.ly/QyVL3073ldZ

#SaySomething campaign: www.saysomethingbc.ca/