Niagara College is inviting employees, students, alumni and community members to come together on May 14 in recognition of Moose Hide Campaign Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that calls on people across Canada to help end violence against women and children.
A ceremony-centred gathering
Hosted by the College’s Indigenous Education and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion departments, the gathering will follow a ceremony-centred format grounded in Indigenous teachings, focusing on presence, listening, reflection, and shared responsibility. The day will begin with a sacred fire at sunrise, accompanied by a Traditional Thanksgiving Address, and continue with a facilitated sharing circle later in the morning.
Event details:
- Date: Thursday, May 14
- Fire opening: 5:50 a.m. (gather from 5:30 a.m.)
- Circle time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Outdoor Classroom, Indigenous Gardens, Daniel J. Patterson Campus
- Rain location: Room N136
What to expect:
- A brief introduction to the Moose Hide Campaign;
- A facilitated sharing circle;
- Tobacco offering available throughout the day;
- Opportunity to take the Moose Hide Campaign pledge;
- Distribution of Moose Hide pins; and
- Light refreshments following the circle.
This year’s event places a deeper focus on what it means to carry the campaign’s message beyond wearing the Moose Hide pin. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how values such as honour, respect, and protection can be practiced in daily life, through choices, actions, and relationships.
Participants are welcome to attend in whatever way feels right for them, whether by listening, reflecting, sharing, or simply being present.
Men who have previously received a Moose Hide pin are especially encouraged to reflect on how they have upheld their commitment and what responsibilities they continue to carry. An anonymous reflection form is available for those who wish to share how that commitment has shown up in their actions, choices, or ongoing learning.
About the Moose Hide Campaign
Founded in 2011 along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears, the Moose Hide Campaign engages men and boys in ending gender-based violence, while welcoming all people to participate in building cultures of respect and safety. Wearing the pin symbolizes a personal pledge to honour, respect, and protect women and children, and to speak out against violence.
The Moose Hide Campaign pledge reads: “I pledge to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in my life, and to work together to end violence against women and children.”
At Niagara College, Moose Hide Campaign Day reflects an ongoing commitment to reconciliation, community well-being, and fostering learning and working environments rooted in dignity and respect.
For more information, visit NC’s Moose Hide Campaign webpage.
Additional educational resources available through the Libraries and Learning Centres, including the Indigenous Education resources page, which offers materials to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives.
