Fasters Raise Awareness about Violence against Women and Children
As part of the Moosehide Campaign on February 12, several men at the FNHA proudly wore a small square of moose hide pinned to their clothing and also showed their support by participating in a one-day fast. The Moosehide Campaign is in its fourth year, and its mission is to put an end to violence against women and children in First Nations Communities in BC. The vision of the campaign, organized by The Friendship Centre, is to grow support from organizations, communities, and governments throughout Canada.
Wearing the moosehide signified a commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in their lives and to work together with other men to end violence against women and children.
FNHA CEO Joe Gallagher showed his dedication by example and embraced fasting to support and promote the Moosehide Campaign.
"I am fasting today to show support for this cause! Holistic Wellness in our communities will only be achieved if our women and children are thriving. Fasting to show support to stop violence against aboriginal women and children today is only the beginning. It is what we do about it tomorrow and the days that follow that will really matter." Joe Gallagher – FNHA CEO
Many men at the FNHA had meaningful experiences because they fasted. Below are some of their insights.
"I have a lot of experience with fasting, mostly in a ceremonial context. The one-day fast for the Moosehide Campaign is an idea that is very much aligned with my personal viewpoints – both the fasting and the campaign. Taking a traditional approach through fasting – in a contemporary sense – is a good way of bringing it out and giving it much needed publicity." Tyrone Paul, FNHA CPAC Coordinator
"The one-day fast had a dual quality – it was at once very personal and at the same time being about a greater cause. We need to get out of the mindset that violence against women affects other people – it’s an issue that affects everyone personally and the experience fasting personally was a positive parallel to the wider cause." Darius Pruss, FNHA Research Analyst
"I will be fasting today. One day of discomfort is a minor gesture to acknowledge and support those who endure far more. One day of self-discipline is a reminder that we can control our actions for the good or hurt of others. #endviolence." Mark Matthew – Strategic Advisor, PPSS – FNHA Wellness Blog
"As men we need to step up and show leadership in creating a more equal and just society, and allowing the space for women to be our leaders. Fasting helped to remind me of those who struggle to put food on the table daily. The Moosehide Campaign is a great way to bring awareness to ending violence against women. We must also address the systemic violence created through our governing and economic systems that lead to inequity, oppression and determinants of violence." Trevor Kehoe – FNHA Communications
The FNHA thanks all the men who fasted to support an end to domestic violence. Well done!
