Moose hide pins are the unifying symbol of our campaign. They’re a small piece of medicine, connecting us all to the land. They’re a conversation starter, a patch of hope, reassurance and belonging.
They’re a commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in our lives. And now over 3 million people in Canada, the US and beyond are wearing them.
It’s not uncommon to see the patches on the lapels of our politicians speaking in parliament, on the guitar straps of musicians, worn by news anchors and those we pass on the street. By 2023 we want to have distributed 10 million squares.
In a 2019 survey by Reciprocal Consulting on the moose hide pin, participants agreed:
- Wearing the moose hide pin serves as a visual reminder and accountability mechanism.
- Wearing the moose hide pin serves as a visual reminder and accountability mechanism. The moose hide pin provides a sense of connection with others and with the Campaign.
- The moose hide pin often creates a comfort and safety zone when they see others wearing it.
- Wearing the moose hide pin shows a commitment to stand up against violence, and to act in solidarity with women and children.
Starting millions of conversations
Independent research shows that each moose hide pin starts at least five conversations. That means we’ve inspired 15 million conversations about ending violence that wouldn’t have happened.
And in this way, awareness of these key issues keeps growing.
When responding to questions about the pin, firstly we like people to say ‘thank you for asking’ before moving on to a longer explanation about our campaign and what it means. Our website is packed with resources to help you have these conversations with confidence.
The use of the moose hide for this campaign honours the sacred relationship and keeps the traditional protocols and teachings of our Elders alive.
Why moose hide?
The inspiration for the campaign came to Indigenous co-founders Paul and Raven Lacerte whilst on a hunting trip on their traditional Carrier territory.
They harvested a moose and had the idea to tan it and cut it into squares to inspire change.
Indigenous peoples have had a deep and sacred connection with the natural world since time immemorial. This relationship has always included harvesting practices such as hunting, fishing and plant gathering.
Many protocols and teachings have been passed down through the generations which guide these harvesting practices, and which ensure that principles of respect, gratitude, sustainability and reciprocity are honoured.
Moose have always represented an important source of food and clothing for Indigenous communities and for many non-Indigenous communities. For many generations moose hide was used for ceremonial purposes and for making moccasins, jackets, gloves and rope, among other things. It is associated with gentleness, warmth, comfort, hope, and love.
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We know there are some who support our efforts to end violence against women and children but do not agree with hunting or wearing moose hide. We honour those beliefs and have made animal-free synthetic Naugahyde squares available.Order pins
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Some of our supporters have expressed the wish to make their own patches out of moose hide, another animal hide or simply out of fabric. We welcome this and encourage people to bring their own culture and creativity to the campaign.Make your own
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How they're made
All moose hide squares come from ethically-sourced hides from traditional hunters who hunt moose for food and ceremonial purposes, or from animals who have died in road accidents.
The patches are produced with care by Indigenous women who are deeply committed to the protection of women and children and who value the living origins of the patches.