Get behind the moose

The Moose Hide Campaign has headed to Ontario at Cambrian College. Started in B.C. a couple of years ago, the campaign is a grassroots movement to include men in the battle to end violence against Aboriginal women and children.

People are to wear the small pieces of moose hide as a conversation starter. It’s a symbol of their commitment to honor, respect and protect the women and children in their lives.

Sarah Kaelas was distributing the moose hide squares at the Wabnode Centre for Aboriginal Services on Feb. 5.

"It started with a father and his daughter who were out hunting and they took down a moose," Kaelas told the Sudbury Star. "To do something honorable for the moose, they started distributing these pieces of the moose hide. He started this campaign for his daughter, because he wanted her to live a life free of violence."

Ozzie Osawamick, who is enrolled in the social work program at Cambrian College, was helping Kaelas with the campaign.

"I have children, I have a daughter and I was raised in a family of mostly women," he said. "I know from experience, and from being in my field, how important it is for women, children, families to live free from violence, with a healthy lifestyle.”

In support of the campaign, Cambrian College is preparing for a sacred fire ceremony on Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m., after which male students may choose to fast for 24 hours, to honor the women in their lives and find the strength to follow through on their commitments.