Wawadit’la, also known as the Mungo Martin House, served as the setting for a significant rite of passage for the Moose Hide Campaign. This gathering honored the dedication of David Stevenson and recognized Raven Lacerte’s transition into her new role as Executive Director. It was a moment that marked both continuity and change, reinforcing the campaign’s mission to end violence against women and children.
The Moose Hide Campaign was founded in 2011 by Raven Lacerte and her father, Paul Lacerte, during a hunting trip along British Columbia’s Highway 16, known as the Highway of Tears—a stretch of road where many Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered. Witnessing this reality firsthand, Paul and Raven were moved to take action, and from that moment, the campaign was born. The moose hide pin became a symbol of a commitment to end gender-based violence, engaging men and boys in particular to take a stand against violence towards women and children. What began as a small, family-led initiative has now grown into a nationwide movement, reaching schools, workplaces, government institutions, and communities across Canada.
Bradley Dick, whose traditional name is Yuxwelupton, held the ceremony and shared an honour song for David Stevenson. Bradley was one of the first men to have joined the Moose Hide Campaign, and he recalled standing on the steps of the BC Legislature in the cold, rainy weather on the very first Moose Hide Campaign Day. His long-standing involvement in the campaign and his role in this ceremony underscored the deep community ties and the enduring commitment to the movement’s message.
David Stevenson was recognized for his extensive contributions to Indigenous social justice and wellness. On secondment from the Province of British Columbia, David served as CEO of the Moose Hide Campaign for six years, with the goal of helping the movement expand and strengthen its message. With over 25 years of service, he has worked with street-entrenched Indigenous youth in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, led as CEO of an Indigenous Provincial Crown Corporation, and held several executive positions in government focused on reconciliation. His dedication to culturally based leadership and community-led solutions has been instrumental in advancing the campaign’s mission.
As part of the ceremony, David was honored through a blanketing, a gesture that signifies respect and protection in Indigenous traditions. Additionally, he passed on a birch bark container holding tobacco ties—items he had safeguarded since the early days of the Moose Hide Campaign. This symbolic act represented the continuity of the campaign’s mission, and the trust placed in the next generation of leadership.
Raven Lacerte, a co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign and a member of the Lake Babine First Nation, was formally recognized as the new Executive Director. She has played a vital role in expanding the campaign’s reach across Canada, engaging diverse communities, and ensuring that the message of healing and reconciliation continues to grow. Her leadership is expected to build upon the strong foundation laid by those who came before her.
Under David’s leadership, the partnership between the Moose Hide Campaign and the BC government resulted in significant achievements, reinforcing the province’s commitment to ending gender-based violence. Some of the key milestones include:
- 34,485 BC Public Service members participating in Moose Hide Campaign initiatives.
- 83,000 Moose Hide pins distributed to BC Public Service employees.
- British Columbia officially proclaiming Moose Hide Campaign Day for seven consecutive years.
Speeches were delivered by Raven and her father, Paul Lacerte, reflecting on the campaign’s origins and the ongoing work required to create safer communities. They spoke about the movement’s humble beginnings, its impact across Canada, and the importance of continued collaboration.
Two representatives from the BC government, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Jennifer Blatherwick and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office Doug Caul, also addressed the gathering. They recognized the campaign’s role in promoting reconciliation and addressing gender-based violence, emphasizing the government’s commitment to continued partnership and support for the movement. Their presence underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing the campaign’s mission.
The ceremony being held at Mungo Martin House was a meaningful acknowledgment of leadership, responsibility, and its role in cultural revitalization. Built in 1953 by Chief Mungo Martin, this venue has hosted many important events, including the first public potlatch after the lifting of the government ban in 1951. Its significance made it an appropriate place to recognize the leadership transitions within the Moose Hide Campaign.
As the Moose Hide Campaign moves forward, the transition in leadership ensures that the vision remains strong, grounded in cultural values, and driven by collective action.