FIFSW participates in Moose Hide Campaign Day as a post-secondary ambassador

On May 14, the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) joined post-secondary institutions across Canada in hosting events in support of the Moose Hide Campaign’s mission to end gender-based violence. 

Founded in 2011 by Raven and Paul Lacerte, the Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that aims to end violence against women, girls, and everyone on the gender continuum through education, outreach and advocacy. As part of the campaign, supporters wear small pins made of moose hide to demonstrate their commitment to honouring, respecting, and protecting the women and children in their lives. 

Assistant Professor Ashley Quinn led FIFSW’s participation in the campaign. 

“We are honoured to join in ceremony and stand in solidarity with the Moose Hide Campaign,” says Quinn. “As social work educators we are committed to fostering spaces for learning, reflection, and connection. Through these spaces, we equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and courage to take meaningful action to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence. Every person deserves to live free from fear, harm, and all forms of violence.” 

Quinn organized a viewing of the official Moose Hide Campaign Day plenary livestream in FIFSW’s student lounge. Hosted by Master of Ceremony Bob Goulais, the presentations include a keynote address by Dr. Niigaanwewidam Sinclair.  

After the livestream, Traditional Knowledge Carrier Dave Bolton led FIFSW participants in a smudging ceremony and shared stories and insights in a sharing circle. Quinn guided those who attended in making medicine bundles of tobacco, sage and cedar. 

Omar Karim, Charmaine Williams, Ashley Quinn and Siobhan Stewart.

At the close of the event at FIFSW, Dr. Omar Karim, the Moose Hide Campaign’s National Director for Post-Secondary Engagement & Initiatives, presented FIFSW with a plaque and Moose Hide Campaign flag in honour of its role as a post-secondary ambassador. 

“It was an honour to recognize University of Toronto through the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work as a Moose Hide Campaign Post-Secondary Ambassador,” says Dr. Omar Karim, National Director for Post-Secondary Engagement and Initiatives for the Moose Hide Campaign. “FIFSW’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to creating safer and more equitable communities reflects the spirit of the Moose Hide Campaign. By bringing students, educators, Elders, and community members together in learning, reflection, and ceremony, FIFSW is helping inspire meaningful action to end gender-based violence and advance reconciliation across Canada.”

The Campaign Day continued with a Rally to End Violence in front of the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park, which included speakers, music and dancing. Video from the Rally and the plenary session can be viewed on the Moose Hide Campaign’s website. 

Future student Siobhan Stewart, who will be joining the FIFSW’s Master of Social Work – Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field of study in September, supported Quinn in organizing the morning’s gathering. 

“It was an honour to support the Moose Hide Campaign and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in a shared commitment to ending gender-based violence,” says Stewart. “As racialized settlers, it is important that we listen to, learn from, and honour Indigenous Peoples, while recognizing the leadership that Indigenous communities continue to demonstrate in addressing violence and promoting healing.”  

Stewart was particularly inspired by the Campaign’s inclusive focus. “Gender-based violence is an epidemic that affects individuals, families, and communities across our society, and meaningful change requires action at both the community and societal levels,” says Stewart. “One of the strengths of the Moose Hide Campaign is its ability to invite men and boys into the conversation in a healthy, respectful, and accountable way, creating opportunities for reflection, learning, and collective responsibility. I am grateful to be part of a movement that encourages all of us to work together toward safer, healthier, and more equitable communities.”  

FIFSW’s Talk It Out Counselling Clinic, led by Professor Lin Fang, also offered support during the Campaign Day. Given the emotional impact of the topic of gender-based violencee, two Master of Social Work students from the clinic, Grace Liu and Phoebe Chih, were on call throughout the day to speak to anyone who may have needed peer support. Additionally, Associate Professor Tara Black assisted with registration for the day’s events at FIFSW and joined as a participant. 

“FIFSW is committed to deepening its involvement with the Moose Hide Campaign and standing up against violence toward women and children both within our institution and beyond,” says Dean Charmaine Williams, who was also in attendance. “Initiatives like these align with our mission to work alongside communities and across disciplines to advance truth and reconciliation, social justice, human rights and equity.” 

For more information on the Moose Hide Campaign visit the organization’s website at moosehidecampaign.ca.