Vancouver Island University recognized as Moose Hide Campaign Ambassador Campus

The designation acknowledges the university’s ongoing efforts to promote the campaign’s mission. 

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) efforts to raise awareness about gender-based violence are being recognized by a national organization. 

The Moose Hide Campaign has designated VIU as an official Ambassador Campus for the university’s ongoing support of the campaign’s mission. The campaign is a nationwide, Indigenous-led movement that began in British Columbia. It encourages all Canadians – especially men and boys – to stand against gender-based violence and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. The movement centers on wearing the Moose Hide pin, symbolizing a personal commitment to ending violence and supporting healing efforts.

“Since the 2017 National MBA Games, VIU’s long-standing commitment to the Moose Hide Campaign reflects the power of collective action and community leadership,” said Raven Lacerte, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Moose Hide Campaign Development Society. “It is inspiring to see an institution so deeply engaged in reconciliation and the movement to end gender-based violence, year after year. Their dedication is an inspiration to post-secondary campuses across the country.”

For the past seven years, VIU’s Student Engagement and Experiential Learning department has organized hundreds of events that feature education and awareness about the Moose Hide Campaign’s mission. Over that time, 40,000 pins have been distributed on campus. With each pin, the wearer commits to having five conversations about the issue – which equals 200,000 conversations.

“Being part of the Moose Hide Campaign has been a deeply rewarding experience that has left a lasting impact on our campus culture, uniting us around the shared goal of creating a safer, more welcoming community,” said Carolyn Russell, VIU’s Vice-President Students. “It’s a key part of VIU’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.” 

Students are introduced to the campaign at new student orientation, then at events organized by the Fun@VIU and Student Leadership Circle programs. At the 2022 Vancouver Island Leadership Conference, VIU featured Moose Hide National Ambassador Dominic Paul as a keynote speaker.

“VIU has truly represented the values of an Ambassador Campus by integrating the Moose Hide Campaign into both student life and institutional culture,” said Kalyan Mara, Project Coordinator, Post-Secondary Engagement and Initiatives with Moose Hide and VIU Alumnus. “Their efforts in raising awareness among the campus community and inclusive engagement policies show how education can be a force for healing, allyship, and real change. We are proud to stand alongside them.” 

One standout moment for Telanie Moolman, Coordinator of Co-Curricular Learning and Student Orientation, was working with VIU’s Thrive team on the Red Zone initiative, which provides awareness and supports during the critical period at the beginning of the academic year when students may be most vulnerable. 

“The campaign has offered us many opportunities for growth, both individually and as a community, as we work to foster a culture of respect and understanding,” said Moolman. “It has encouraged us to learn deeply about critical issues, such as ending violence against women and children, while also empowering us to take meaningful action within our campus and beyond. By bringing attention to this issue, we have not only raised awareness but also cultivated a deeper sense of accountability and allyship among students, faculty and staff.”

Moose Hide Campaign Day, held annually, calls on all Canadians to take collective action against violence. 

“Each year, I am inspired by the students who share how meaningful their experience has been attending Moose Hide Campaign Day. Hearing the voices of survivors, knowledge keepers and community leaders alongside thousands of others has a profound impact,” said Danielle Johnsrude, Director of VIU’s Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement. “I’m proud to see VIU’s continued commitment to this movement.”

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | W: news.viu.ca

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.