UNBC will host a day of talks, interactive sessions and displays as part of the P.G. Regional Moose Hide Campaign Gathering on Monday.
The campaign is a grassroots movement of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men who are standing up against violence towards women and children.
The University is partnering with the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, CNC, P.G. Native Friendship Centre and the provincial Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
“The Moose Hide Campaign is an important reminder that we still have a long way to go to eliminate gender-based violence in our society. Supporting the Moose Hide Campaign, and working towards ending violence against women and children, is an essential part of the ongoing conversation we are having at UNBC about reconciliation,” said UNBC Acting President, Doctor Geoffrey Payne.
Participants are encouraged to wear a moose hide pin, signifying a commitment to “honour, respect and protect the women and children in your life.”
“I see the pin as kind of a conversation starter,” said Spencer Hammond, Aboriginal Connections Coordinator at UNBC.
“The campaign itself started in Fraser Lake with a father and daughter, they were on a moose hunt, and it recognized they were hunting the moose, and they were on the highway of tears.”
Supporters are also encouraged to fast from sunrise to sunset as a public demonstration of one’s values and intentions.
“It started as a movement for Indigenous and non-Indigenous men, but it’s open to all, and the takeaway is just to take a pledge and take a stand, that we won’t put up with this anymore,” Hammond added.
Bruce Allan, an educator from the Stellat’en First Nation Ts’umusyoo (Bear Clan), will provide the first keynote address on his childhood experiences, and his healing journey.
Francois ‘Guy’ Prince, with the Nak’azdli Nation Beaver Clan and Ruby Prince of the Frog Clan with the Tl’azt’en Nation, will give the second keynote.
The pair will speak about the roles and responsibilities based on the cultural teachings of the Dakelhne.
There will also be sessions on storytelling, intergenerational trauma, and the impacts of colonization.
Lheidli T’enneh Elder Marcel Gagnon will be hosting prayer tie making as wellness support.
The full agenda is available online.