Moose Hide Campaign May 16 2024
My name is Tricia Sanders, and I had the privilege of attending the full day of activities sponsored by the Moose Hide Campaign on May 16th , 2024. As a member of GVAT’s Indigenous Relation’s Learning Circle, (IRLC) I wanted to share a few of my reflections with the broader GVAT Community of member organizations.
On May 15th, over half a million Canadians joined together in Ceremony and solidarity on Moose Hide Campaign Day with the goal of ending gender-based violence. A circle of 12 representatives from GVAT were guided by members of our Indigenous Relations Learning Circle, (IRLC) Barb Smart, and Sue Ward, to participate in the walk and gathering at the Legislature at mid-day. We met at Cridge Park and with our GVAT scarfs and walked together to the event.
The theme throughout the day was “We are the Medicine” that will allow each one of us to bring awareness to our personal capacities to end violence towards all women and children. The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous led grassroots movement to engagement and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nation wide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities.
Raven and Paul Lacerte joyfully welcomed the crowd and introduced Premier David Eby , who spoke as a leader, father, and husband about the impact that this initiative has had on his own heart and mind and his commitment for the Government of BC to support initiatives that interrupt and stop violence towards women and children.
The gathering was closed with a circle of drummers who created the rhythm to accompany inclusive concentric dance circles forming organically. As I stood watching the drummers, two hands reached out to me on either side and invited me warmly to join the circle and dance in unity.
There were opportunities throughout the day to participate in several workshops held at the conference centre. I personally had the privilege of sitting in circle with Bradley Dick who brilliantly facilitated a session called ”Reconciliation Mammoth”. Using a short story about a woolly mammoth, he created a culturally safe space which allowed for the experience of unity and diversity. I walked away feeling I had had a unique opportunity to experience a kindness and generosity within a truly authentic circle of human beings sharing experiences together in harmony and mutual respect.
Many of the participants committed to a sacred fast for the day, beginning with ceremony at dawn. All participants were welcomed to the Crystal Gardens for a celebratory feast. The ceremonies to recognize the family were facilitated and presented by Bradley Dick. Those of us who were there, were invited to be a witness to and recognize the importance of these ceremonies to the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.
I was inspired and enlivened throughout the day, by the participation of mostly young people who were enthusiastically present and engaged in all aspects of the day’s activities. I ended my day with a deep gratitude and hope for a shift in consciousness that will impact real change towards reconciliation where non-violence will replace violence in our collective future. I encourage everyone to take some time to review the website and consider participating actively in the Moose Hide campaign, and their education initiatives throughout the year.
ACTION for RECONCILIATION: Please take a moment and look at the website and visit the learning resources provided for WE ARE THE MEDICINE. https://www.wearemedicine.ca/courses/wearemedicine
The campaign has also developed a full curriculum program of education for children and educators in Kindergarten through to Grade 12. See link here: https://education.moosehidecampaign.ca/curriculum-guide/
There are many more ways to participate with the Moose Hide Campaign listed on the main website. I personally hope that next year many more GVAT partners and members join us for the day to celebrate together.
