Walking to End Violence: Assiniboine community joins Moose Hide Campaign

Assiniboine College once again partnered with the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council (BUPAC) to host the Walk to End Violence, which took place Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., starting from Brandon’s Princess Park (with the walk beginning at 2 p.m.). Held in support of the Moose Hide Campaign, the walk united students, staff, and community members in a shared moment of reflection and action to stand against all forms of violence toward women and children.

“We were honoured to stand alongside institutions across the country as official ambassadors of the Moose Hide Campaign and the Walk to End Violence,” said Kris Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Education at Assiniboine College. “Post-secondary institutions in Canada are embracing the Moose Hide Campaign to help create safer spaces on and off campus, while advancing meaningful efforts toward reconciliation and inclusion. Our involvement supported the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

Born from a deeply personal moment between a father and daughter on a moose hunting trip near B.C.’s Highway of Tears—a place marked by the heartbreaking loss of countless Indigenous women—the Moose Hide Campaign has become a powerful call to action. At its heart, the campaign invites men to take a stand and lead the way in ending gender-based violence. The simple act of wearing a moose hide pin has become a profound symbol of love, respect, and commitment to protecting the women and children in our lives and communities. With over four million pins distributed across the country, this movement continues to inspire hope, healing, and meaningful progress toward reconciliation.

Following the walk, a gathering was held in Princess Park.

The college encourages community members to learn more about the Moose Hide Campaign at moosehidecampaign.ca or via the hashtag #WalkToEndViolence.

Moose Hide Campaign Key Facts:

• Every year there are over 60,000 physical or sexual assaults against women in BC – more than 1,000 per week

• One in three women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime (Stats Canada, 2006)

• In 2014 there was a daily average of 7,969 women and children staying in shelters across Canada because it was not safe at home (Statistics Canada)

• There were 1,181 cases of missing or murdered Aboriginal women in Canada between 1980 and 2012, according to the RCMP, with BC recording more than any other province (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2010). However, according to grassroots organizations the number is much higher, closer to 4,000.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and require assistance, please call 911. The Province of Manitoba also has resources available and an information/crisis line (1-877-977-0007) or visit the Province of Manitoba website.