Small squares of moose hide safety-pinned to a man’s shirt collar.
It’s hoped this sight will be the next big movement in the ongoing effort to end violence against women and children.
Men across the country will be wearing quarter-sized pieces of moose hide to show their support for the cause.
“Ultimately the goal is to end violence against women, but the secondary goal is to keep the conversation going,” said Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre executive director Shelly Craig. “We hope that at some point we never have to talk about [violence against women] again, but we know that’s long term.”
The grassroots Moose Hide Campaign, as it is known, began in BC and quickly spread across Canada with friendship centres nationwide showing their support.
In Flin Flon, Craig says squares were starting to be distributed into the community as far back as two months ago.
With a replenished stock of the squares on hand, she will continue to hand out the hide to men.
Craig says she has noticed the trend beginning to catch on as she sees pieces of moose hide popping up here and there.
“I don’t think it will be long before it’s recognized, much like the purple ribbons and those symbols that are with other issues,” said Craig. “It doesn’t take long.”
Craig says she is a strong believer of the program herself.
“I think it’s a great concept,” she said. “The Walking With Our Sisters memorial exhibit…brought to the forefront the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. That whole exhibit was heartfelt. So now, I think this campaign is getting everyone involved and asking them to play a role in ending the violence.”
Craig says ongoing events to help end violence against women, such as the Take Back the Night march and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, keep the conversation present in the community.
“It’s a nice blend,” said Craig. “It keeps the momentum going and keeps the message going that there is a problem.”
Craig encourages area men and women to work together to end violence against women and children.
The Moose Hide Campaign does focus on men, but Craig said women are encouraged to participate by distributing the squares and keeping the conversation going.
Moose hide squares can be picked up at the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
