By Nofa Slaeman

At STOPS to Violence one of our key roles is to bring people together and coordinate efforts to create greater impact as a provincial network. The Moose Hide Campaign held May 12, 2022 provided an opportunity to gather together. It is a great example of a well stewarded, well held and coordinated campaign that all can host and/or participate in taking a stand against violence. The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians - standing up to end violence against women and children.

It started with a simple invitation to attend an information session provided by Moose Hide Campaign co-founder, Raven Lacerte, and CEO, David Stevenson, hosted by STOPS to Violence. This event was held on January 6, 2022 and drew many interested network partners and others from across the province. Not surprisingly, with the word out to many, and as ‘somebody told body else’, many efforts were put into organizing varying ways of participation in the campaign.

To create space for a shared experience, reflection, and discussion on the day of Moose Hide Campaign, STOPS To Violence held a live stream session. Approximately 60 people from across the province joined to watch the live stream of the national opening ceremonies, which included messages from the co-founders and keynote speakers. During the session participants also had an opportunity to reflect and share their insights in small group discussions.

This opportunity to gather provided a chance to meaningfully reflect and renew our commitment to taking a stand against violence towards women and children. It gave those in attendance an opportunity to speak what they felt and heard from the speakers and the founders of the Moose Hide Campaign. For me it was to really reflect on who I stand for and renew my commitment to continue to stand for the things that matter most even when the conversations and actions are difficult to do.

We were not alone in gathering and participating - individuals, organizations and communities across Saskatchewan raised awareness and participated in the Moose Hide Campaign. Some of the efforts that we have heard about, to date, include:

• Hundreds of students from the community of Indian Head joined for a walk to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. See article here.

• Flying Dust in Northern Saskatchewan organized a father-daughter dance as well as an evening held for men to spend with Elders.

• The Regina Sexual Assault Centre and Regina Transition House coordinated and partnered with Regina Public Library to spread awareness about the Moose Hide campaign by setting up a display with education materials and Moose Hide Campaign pins.

• In Saskatoon, students from10 different grade 8 classes raised their voices for change by gathering for speeches, music and dance followed by a march to Saskatoon City Hall. See the article here.

• The First Nations University held an Indigenous Fatherhood Panel and offered Moose Hide Campaign pins on the day of the campaign.

Thank you to all those who wore a pin, participated in the STOPS to Violence live stream session, and to all who held walks, events, and conversations. Our collective efforts create greater possibilities for change.