Assembly of First Nations Supports the Moose Hide Campaign: Calls on All Men and Boys to Help End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today expressed support for the Moose Hide Campaign and the Moose Hide National Gathering taking place in downtown Ottawa, ON.

"The Assembly of First Nations supports this valuable campaign and acknowledges its role in encouraging all of us to work harder to ensure safer, healthier communities for First Nations women and girls," said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. "Every man and every boy can educate himself and take action to end violence against Indigenous women and girls, who are three times more likely to be the victims of domestic violence, or to be killed by someone they know. We thank Paul and Raven Lacerte, the founders of the Moose Hide Campaign, and all those participating in today's Moose Hide National Gathering for bringing much-needed attention to this important issue."

The Moose Hide Campaign was started five years ago in northern British Columbia by Paul and Raven Lacerte. Through their hard work, this father-daughter duo has promoted respect, healing and self-reflection from hundreds of thousands of men and boys. By showing support and wearing Moose Hide pins, men throughout British Columbia and clear across Turtle Island are taking a stand for the safety and well-being of the women and children in their­ lives.

"Patriarchy is one of the darkest legacies of colonialism. Traditionally, First Nations communities held our women in the highest regard. The Moose Hide campaign offers a great opportunity to return to these traditions," said Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson. "We must stand with our sisters to reverse the systems of racism and sexism that perpetuate the disturbingly high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls. I will be wearing my Moose Hide pin with pride today."

For more information on the Moose Hide Campaign, visit: moosehidecampaign.ca

For more information on the AFN's work in ending violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence, visit: afn.ca/en/policy-areas/i-pledge.-end-violence

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jenn Jefferys, Communications Officer, [phone], [email protected]; Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, [phone], [email protected]