Giving is the best way to receive – join us in supporting the Moose Hide Campaign
The holiday season is meaningful for many reasons, and one common thread is the spirit of giving. There are countless ways to give and share, and this year, the Jouta team have chosen to support the Moose Hide Campaign in standing up against violence towards women and children.
Founded on the Highway of Tears, the Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement, primarily focused on men and boys supporting and holding each other accountable to stand up and speak out against violence, and to be healthy role models. However, all genders are welcome and encouraged to support the movement.
There are several ways to support the campaign, including simply wearing a moose hide pin.
What does wearing a moose hide pin represent?
As explained in this video, the moose hide pin is meant to convey that you will honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life, do what you can to end gender-based violence, and take steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The moose hide is also intended to connect us to the land, to be a visual reminder, as well as a conversation starter.
Traditional Indigenous moose harvesting practices are grounded in the principles of respect, gratitude, sustainability, and reciprocity. Accordingly, all pins are made from ethically sourced hides from traditional hunters or from moose who have died in road accidents. From there, the hides are produced by Indigenous women, which provides the women with a source of income.
How is Jouta supporting the Moose Hide Campaign?
Jouta started by donating to each of the following:
- The production of information cards and patches, a process that provides income for the women involved
- The development of the Moose Hide K-12 learning platform, an opensource resource for teachers to help foster values and perspectives that respect and honour women and children
In line with the campaign’s intent to wear and share the pins, each of the Jouta team received 25 pins to distribute and share in a way that feels meaningful for them. For example, some intend to make individual donations on behalf of, or in honour of, loved ones and provide the pins in lieu of store-bought gifts.
Join Jouta in supporting the Moose Hide Campaign this holiday season
Whether this holiday season, or for Campaign Day on February 10th, we encourage you to follow suit and support this crucial effort. Appreciating that not everyone is in a position to donate, you can show your solidarity simply by wearing and sharing the pins and making a pledge to stand against violence towards women and children.
From our hearts to yours, we wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season.