The Victoria Royals Hockey Club partnership with the Moose Hide Campaign shows the hockey team’s commitment to reconciliation and standing up against violence towards women and children. Partnerships like this are vital to shedding light on the issue of gender-based violence and spreading awareness across the country.
The partnership with the Royals was marked by Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night, which took place February 17th on home ice in Victoria, BC. Every player wore a special sticker on their helmet during the game to signify their commitment to the movement. The team also donated all proceeds from the 50/50 raffle to the campaign, raising over $2000 which will go towards the production and distribution of moose die pins.
With the sharing of traditional songs from the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, the evening was a true celebration and reflection of local Indigenous culture. Bradley Dick (whose traditional name is Yuxwelupton) sang the opening song and the Unity Drummers played both in the lobby and at intermission on centre ice. There was also an Indigenous vendor sale on the concourse.
Royals General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price said he his team is honoured to partner with the Moose Hide Campaign.
“The work of the campaign is extremely important in educating people, including our team, about the importance of standing up against violence towards women and children,” he said.
With the target audience of the Moose Hide Campaign being young men, partnering with the hockey team was a perfect fit.
“Having such key cultural players as role models helps lead the way for other young men to take a stand against gender-based violence across the country,” said Raven Lacerte, co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign. “We see this as a really meaningful, long-term partnership.”
Earlier in the year, Royals staff and players learned more about the realities of women and child abuse in Canada in a training and information session hosted by the Moose Hide Campaign. They also learned about the significance of the campaign pin, a small square of moose hide which acts as a symbol of solidarity and medicine. With each pin sparking about five conversations, the pins have already started 15 million conversations about ending gender-based violence in Canada.
“We’re so grateful the hockey team is helping spread awareness,” said David Stevenson, CEO of the Moose Hide Campaign. “Partnering with our campaign sends the message loud and clear—we stand in solidarity against this kind of violence, and together, we’re making real change happen.”
Partnering with the Moose Hide Campaign is a tangible and practical way to take steps towards reconciliation and understanding of the intergenerational impacts of colonization and residential schools. It helps men and boys practice and support healthy masculinity, and it demonstrates a real commitment to standing up against violence towards women and children.
Another way to support the campaign is by participating in Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 11. The annual day of ceremony includes speakers, workshops and a walk to end violence. Across Canada, there will be hundreds of community organized walks. If there are none taking place in your area, you can watch the livestream of the Walk to End Violence taking place at the Legislature in Victoria, BC. A livestream of the entire Moose Hide Campaign Day in Victoria will also be available for anyone to watch.
