Iqaluit City Council adopts Moose Hide Day

The Iqaluit City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to designate May 16 as Moose Hide Campaign Day.

Moose Hide Campaign Day is an Indigenous-led, grassroots campaign working to stop violence against women and children across Canada.

Moose Hide organizers sent inquiries about the day to almost every community in Canada.

Iqaluit now joins cities across Canada, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, which are expected to host a day of ceremonies.

“I think it's a good campaign that raises awareness of a very important issue,” said Deputy Mayor Kim Smith.

She mentioned that city council voted a year ago to push the Government of Nunavut to implement Clare's Law, Give people who feel at risk of domestic violence the opportunity to receive information about their partners that will help them make informed decisions.

“I think grassroots campaigns like this are very important to the cause as well,” Smith said. “So I just want to make sure we keep all of that at the forefront.”

On Thursday, people can wear elk fur pins and fast from sunrise to sunset to show their commitment to fighting violence against women and children.

There will be in-person meetings in Victoria, BC, and online workshops across Canada. It is unclear what the City of Iqaluit has planned to mark the day.