Gender-based violence is a profound crisis that touches every corner of our society. In Canada alone, half of all women have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. Every night, more than 6,000 women and children seek refuge in emergency shelters to escape abuse. In the face of these heartbreaking statistics, a beacon of hope and healing has emerged from the Indigenous communities of British Columbia: The Moose Hide Campaign.
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys, and all Canadians who are standing up against violence towards women and children. It represents a collective shift toward healthy masculinity, reconciliation, and accountability. Whether you are an educator, a corporate leader, or a concerned citizen, understanding and participating in The Moose Hide Campaign is a powerful way to create a safer, more respectful future for everyone.
The Powerful Origins of The Moose Hide Campaign
The Moose Hide Campaign provides a sacred space to contribute in
our nation’s healing journey. It is a movement that calls upon people
to speak up, take action, educate and support each other!
– Senator Murray Sinclair,
Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Great movements often begin with a single, profound moment of clarity. The inspiration for The Moose Hide Campaign came in 2011 to co-founders Paul Lacerte and his daughter Raven. They were on a moose hunt on their traditional Carrier territory in Northern British Columbia. They were hunting near Highway 16, infamously known as the “Highway of Tears,” where many Indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered.
After harvesting a moose, the loving relationship between a father and daughter, combined with the tragic history of the land, sparked an idea. They decided to tan the moose hide and cut it into small squares to engage men in the effort to end violence against women and children. From that initial moose and the help of close family and friends, the very first 2,500 squares were cut. Today, The Moose Hide Campaign has distributed over two million of these pins to participating communities, schools, and organizations across the country.
What Does the Pin Symbolize?
Wearing a pin from The Moose Hide Campaign is not just a passive gesture; it is an active, visible promise. Wearing the small square of hide signifies your personal commitment to honor, respect, and protect the women and children in your life, and to speak out against gender-based and domestic violence.
- Indigenous Tradition: For generations, moose hide has been used for ceremonial purposes, moccasins, and clothing, and is associated with warmth, gentleness, comfort, and love.
- Ethical Sourcing: The hides are donated by traditional Indigenous hunters who hunt for food and ceremonial purposes, or are sourced from animals that have died on roadways. No animals are hunted solely for The Moose Hide Campaign.
- Inclusivity: Recognizing that some individuals choose not to wear animal products, The Moose Hide Campaign also produces and distributes animal-free, synthetic vegan pins so that everyone can participate in the movement.
These pins are distributed entirely free of charge to any Canadian who wants one. When you see someone wearing a pin from The Moose Hide Campaign, it acts as a spark for meaningful conversations and acts as a symbol of safety and allyship.
Engaging Men and Boys in the Conversation
Historically, efforts to address the crisis of domestic violence have been heavily led by women and women’s organizations. However, The Moose Hide Campaign was built on the core belief that men and boys must also take direct action to end violence and develop a culture of healthy masculinity. While the movement was originally focused on men and boys, it has beautifully evolved to include and engage people of all ages, genders, and cultures. The campaign deeply values its strong Indigenous female guidance and leadership.
Taking Action on Moose Hide Campaign Day
Each year, the movement culminates in a national day of awareness. Moose Hide Campaign Day is recognized and celebrated from coast to coast to coast. This year, the national day of action falls on May 14, 2026.
On this day, Canadians are encouraged to participate in regional and national gatherings, ceremonies, and workshops. A central component of The Moose Hide Campaign is the invitation to participate in a Day of Fasting. The organization holds a powerful vision of one day seeing one million people fasting together in ceremony to end violence against women and children.
How You Can Support The Moose Hide Campaign
The beauty of The Moose Hide Campaign is that it is incredibly easy for anyone to get involved. Here are practical ways you can share the medicine of the campaign:
- Wear and Share the Pin: Order pins for yourself, your family, or your classroom online for free. A simple $5 donation helps gift 5 pins, which can spark at least 25 conversations about respect and safety.
- Organize an Event: Set up a kiosk or organize an event in your workplace, school, or community organization.
- Donate to the Foundation: As a Federally Registered Charity, The Moose Hide Campaign relies on donations. Monthly giving helps bring cultural teachings, pins, and workshops into communities nationwide.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Organizations can partner with The Moose Hide Campaign to advance social impact, engage their workforce, and demonstrate a profound commitment to reconciliation and safety.
Conclusion: A Future Free From Violence
The work of The Moose Hide Campaign provides a sacred space to contribute to our nation’s healing journey. It is a tangible way to take action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Violence is preventable. By embracing the teachings of The Moose Hide Campaign, we can collectively transform our communities. We encourage you to order your pin, wear it with pride, and start a conversation today. Together, we can build a future where every woman and child lives free from the threat of violence.
“I am full of gratitude, hope and love for
everybody that has supported the Campaign.
I am excited to see where it goes from here!”
– Raven Lacerte, Moose Hide Campaign Co-Founder
