Traditional teachings and tree planting mark Moose Hide Campaign Day
May 28, 2024 | Cindy Males, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Canadore College recognized Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 16 with traditional teachings and tree planting. The College has supported the campaign since its inception in 2011 which has helped the original movement become a nation-wide crusade.
“The Moose Hide Campaign Day is dedicated to preventing violence by men towards women and children,” said Gerald McComb, Cultural Advisor with the First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore College. “It is important to spread awareness of these issues and engage people of all backgrounds in preventing violence of all types and creating a safe environment.” Research shows that Indigenous women and girls are the victims of violence more often than non-Indigenous women.
“We have made strides in the battle against violence towards women and children, but we still have a lot of work to do,” said George Burton, President and CEO. “Our annual event on campus promotes Canadore’s continued commitment as a post-secondary institution to end it once and for all.”
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians who are committed to taking action to end the violence. Today, people of all ages, genders and backgrounds participate by wearing moose hide pins – the campaign symbol – as a sign of their commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in their lives. Pins are made available every year at Canadore’s four campuses.
“Having our local knowledge-keepers share cultural teachings and history gives context to the state we are in today, what we can do to improve ourselves and provide safe communities for everyone,” said McComb. “For the Moose Hide Campaign Day, we included the tree-planting activity as we wanted to incorporate Sustainable Canadore and our commitment to improving our interactions with the environment. Planting a tree can be symbolic of new beginnings and commitments. Maintaining and nurturing ourselves and each other is much like taking care of a tree. Planting the tree is making the commitment, taking care of the tree as it grows is maintaining that commitment.”
“We were grateful for the opportunity to be included on such an important day”, said Jesse Russell, Sustainable Canadore Project Lead. “We prioritize an Indigenous view of sustainability, which supports interconnectedness, so this was a great opportunity to get everyone involved to strengthen their connection to nature.”
“By planting trees and learning together, we were showing respect to Mother Earth and to one another, and when you do good you feel good,” said Mair Greenfield, Manager, Community Based and Contract Training with the First Peoples’ Centre.