Highway 16 running through parts of north-central Alberta and into mainland British Columbia has a second, more ominous name that’s recognizable to most — the Highway of Tears. This stretch of highway was given this name because of the number of Indigenous Women, Girls, 2-Spirit People, and countless others rooted in Indigenous Nations who were either murdered and found along this highway or went missing while along this highway.
There have been initiatives like the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) that have made great strides to address this issue and educate the public. But, in 2011 a young woman and her father launched their own awareness campaign from people who have their own roots with Indigenous Nations.
Addressing MMIWG from a lived-Indigenous experience
Raven Lacerte and her father Paul started the Moose Hide Campaign and included one distinct symbol as a commitment to ending gender-based and Indigenous targeted violence — wearing a pinned square of moose hide.
To this day, the Moose Hide Campaign organization distributes these pins along with information cards as a gift of medicine. Adding to the Indigenous lens, the website suggests a $1 donation when ordering gifts of medicine as a gift of reciprocity and helping to ensure the Moose Hide Campaign remains sustainable.
Moose Hide Campaign’s main awareness event is its walk in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 15 — but this is far from the only Moose Hide Campaign event. Dozens of individual walks are happening across the country, including one in Edmonton at City Hall.
In addition to the walks, it’s also encouraged to fast as part of this awareness campaign. In many Indigenous Nations and communities, fasting is seen as a symbol of your commitment and a way to deepen your intention towards this commitment. It’s encouraged, but not required, to fast from sunrise to sunset to further solidify your resolve.
Moose Hide Campaign events and how you can get involved
This is a very-high level overview of this immensely impactful movement. The wisdom and knowledge shared by the Lacerte family and the rest of the Moose Hide Campaign team illuminates many of the issues faced by women, girls, 2-Spirit Peoples, and other Indigenous Peoples while firmly rooted in Indigenous culture and community — an important perspective for us all to listen to and gain a better understanding from.
Discover more about the Moose Hide Campaign and how you can showcase your commitment to ending gender-based and Indigenous Peoples targeted violence at Edmonton City Hall.