Edmonton holds its first Moose Hide Campaign Day event

On Thursday, May 12th, Edmontonians gathered at City Hall to watch various Indigenous artists perform and see the mayor pronounce the day as Moose Hide Campaign Day.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi spoke about gendered violence and the significance of the moose hide pin.

“Indigenous women are killed at six times the rate of non-Indigenous women,” said Sohi. “Whereas wearing a moose hide pin is a commitment to honour, respect and protect all women and children in Edmonton and across Canada.”

Moose Hide Campaign Day event (Photo: CityNews)

An Indigenous elder spoke about how the standard for men in Indigenous societies is to protect and provide for women and children.

“If a man hurt or caused women to cry – now this is straight from Old Man – they called them lower than a dog,” said Elder Jo-Ann Saddleback. “He would literally lose his status as a man.”

Moose Hide Campaign Day event (Photo: CityNews)

Then the moment came in the event, when all attendees were asked to stand and repeat the Moose Hide pledge, led by the executive director of Indigenous Sport Council Alberta, Jacob Hendy.

“I pledge to stand against violence towards women and girls,” said the crowd.

The event organizers and attendees acknowledged that violence against Indigenous women and children remains a serious issue despite increased awareness — and it can only be ended with the help of men, boys and all people. So the Moose Hide Campaign continues.