Edmontonians stand against gender-based violence on Moose Hide Day

Edmonton marked Moose Hide Day in support of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people with a ceremony at city hall.

Community members, leaders and allies came together at city hall on Thursday standing against gender-based violence for Moose Hide Day.

Moose Hide Day is a national Indigenous-led campaign founded by father-daughter duo Paul and Raven Lacerte of Carrier First Nation and Lake Babine First Nation, respectively.

The two were hunting along the Highway of Tears in B.C. when they were inspired to tan the hide of a moose they were harvesting, cut it into small squares fashioned into pins and engage with men and boys in an effort to end gender-based violence.

More than four million pins have been distributed to communities, schools and workplaces across the country.

Thursday’s event at city hall saw cultural performances, a keynote presentation, a round dance and more.

“This gathering reflects our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation and build safer communities where Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people feel valued and supported,” said Ward Sspomitapi Coun. Jo-Anne Wright in a statement.

The city co-hosted the event with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta.

“Being part of the event today, you’re committing to wearing that pin with pride and sharing the knowledge we received today and understand that we all have a duty to create safer spaces within our city and our province and our country,” said the council’s special programs coordinator Taylor McPherson.

More information on the Moose Hide campaign can be found here.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch