May 14 - Moose Hide Campaign Day

Today, May 14, is Moose Hide Campaign Day which began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians focused on ending gender-based violence.  Born out of sorrow and grief, the Campaign began over 10 years ago along the Highway of Tears where many indigenous girls and young women simply disappeared. 

The Campaign today provides us the opportunity to address and speak out against gender-based violence in all its forms.  Those affected by gender-based violence include:

• Women and girls

• Indigenous women and girls

• Black and racialized women

• Immigrant and refugee women

• Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people

• Women with disabilities

• Women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities 

Sadly, we are living in a time when progress on critical issues of human rights and inclusion is eroding.  Gender-based violence is not receding because the misogynist, macho male, homophobic perspectives that feed this violence continues to grow unabated and unchallenged. 

Indeed, to oppose these perspectives in many conservative communities here in Alberta is to be labeled as being Woke! This Sunday we will acknowledge the Moose Hide Campaign as we reflect on work of compassion and justice that lies before us as people of faith. Hope to see you Sunday.

Shalom,The Rev. Dr. Dale W. Johnson