Teachings at Canadore College for Moose Hide Campaign Day
By Kelly Anne Smith
NORTH BAY— May 12 is the National Day of the Moose Hide Campaign – a movement of mostly Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who stand against violence towards women and children.
Millions of Canadians, especially men, wear a square of moose hide secured with a pin while committing to honour, respect and protect women and girls.
About 50 students, employees and members of the public attended the Moose Hide Campaign ceremony and teachings at the Standford International College Wellness Garden at Canadore College on May 12.
“We are on traditional Nipissing First Nation land, who are of the Robinson Huron Treaty. They are the keepers of the land,” acknowledged Gerard Peltier of Wiikwemkoong First Nation.
As the MC, Peltier heralded the college for meeting the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Peltier is the recruitment/retention officer for the First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore College.
Peltier talked of the Moose Hide Campaign starting 11 years ago when a young family talked about things that had happened in the past and the need to end violence.
“I’m sure some of us have seen that in our lifetimes. To be here and make that pledge as a group from your heart, as a Canadore employee and as a human being,”
Judi Manitowabi, Director of First Peoples’ Centre and Indigenous Engagement, said the day is about ceremony and reflection.
“As we continue to address reconciliation collectively, we invite all students and staff at Canadore College to take practical steps together on this day.”
Canadore College President George Burton asked the crowd to wear the pin and to take the pledge with him.
“I acknowledge that there is violence towards women and children. I agree to take a stand against such violence and to act upon it.”
Vice President Strategic Infrastructure, Indigenous and Learner Services Shawn Chorney asked participants to embrace the Moose Hide Campaign daily.
“I really want to challenge everyone not to let it end here with this symbolic gesture, but to step in and stand up and if you witness or see something; do what you can to help take a stand and make it end.”
Gerald Peltier urged people to pledge online.
“I encourage you to do some learning on the things we need to know more about — Indigenous culture and the bad history we have to go through.”
Canadore College Grandmother-in-Residence Lorraine Whiteduck Liberty of Nipissing First Nation gave the blessing for the day.
Gerry McComb gave a smudge and sang. From Moose Cree First Nation, McComb also offered a teaching at the Naadmaadwin Gaming to explain the role of firekeeping.
“Basically, the role is keeping the fire of the ceremony going. Every ceremony, there is a fire. That fire protects everyone. That is the fire’s role. And we acknowledge the fire as if it was a person sitting there, like a grandfather. When you’re are the firekeeper, you are just as much a part of the ceremony as everyone else.”
Randy Sawyer held a session on traditional life teachings in the teepee. Al Landry of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre gave Grandfather Teachings on Courage in the wigwam.
Beverly Restoule talked about Indigenous history at the pond.
Lorraine Whiteduck Liberty gave a teaching on the Seven Grandfather Teachings – especially Respect, in the Wellness Garden. She talked about the Moose Hide Campaign reminding us to stop violence.
“It’s not only physical violence, but emotional violence, spiritual violence, and lateral violence,” she said. “I have to remind myself each day that everything is connected in what I do today. Whatever human being I’m connected to, whatever spirit. When I wake up, there is spirit. And everyone has a spirit so, I want to connect to that spirit. In order to connect to that spirit, I have to be kind and gentle. I don’t want to be harsh… There are times you’re tested, so, you have to remind yourself always about kindness. And if you be kind, then kindness is given back to you. It’s two-fold, triple-fold with kindness.”
Whiteduck Liberty says her teaching that day is about relationships.
“How do you relate to people? How do you relate to your mother, the earth? Are you damaging her? Or are you helping her? That’s a relationship. It’s violence, what we are doing to her. Our water, our air—if we are not taking care, it’s a form of violence.”