The Prentice Government and the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association pledge to take a stand against violence towards Aboriginal women through the Moose Hide Campaign.
The campaign asks men and boys to wear moose hide swatches to show their support for the elimination of violence against Aboriginal women and to honour the women and girls in their lives. Aboriginal women are three times more likely than other women to experience violence by a spouse, acquaintance or stranger.
“Violence towards Aboriginal women needs to stop. I am wearing this moose hide as a visual reminder that I am proud of our province’s Aboriginal women and I am standing up against violence towards them.”
~ David Dorward, Associate Minister of Aboriginal Relations
To further support the Moose Hide campaign, the Alberta government is providing $75,000 to Alberta Friendship Centres to expand the “I am a Kind Man” program, which was started by Ontario Friendship Centres, to promote honour and traditional values among men and boys.
“Too many Aboriginal women experience violence and we need to say “Enough!”. This is not who we are. We are proud to partner with the Alberta government to raise awareness of this important issue.”
~ Merle White, President, Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association
The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement started by friendship centres in British Columbia. The launch of the Moose Hide Campaign in Alberta coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.