Douglas College recognized as partner in national Moose Hide Campaign against gender-based violence
In recognition of its long-standing support in raising awareness of gender-based violence, Douglas College was awarded a plaque by representatives of the Moose Hide Campaign during an intimate ceremony on the New Westminster Campus February 12, 2025.
Despite ongoing efforts toward truth and reconciliation across Canada, gender-based violence remains a critical issue. Each year, more than 60,000 women in British Columbia experience physical or sexual assault, with Indigenous women three times more likely to experience intimate partner violence than non-Indigenous women.
For the past five years, Douglas has been an active ambassador of the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led national movement dedicated to stand against gender-based violence and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
Representatives of the Campaign joined Douglas officials and the Douglas Student Union (DSU) during Community Kitchen, a monthly gathering that brings together Indigenous students, faculty, staff and Elders to cook together and embrace Indigenous ways of knowing, learning and doing.
"Douglas College’s steadfast commitment to raising awareness and taking action against gender-based violence highlights the power of community collaboration. Their dedicated support of the Moose Hide Campaign over the past five years has played a vital role in fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students,” said Raven Lacerte, Co-Founder, Moose Hide Campaign. “We are proud to partner with an institution that actively embraces reconciliation and strives for a future free from violence."
This partnership reflects the College’s dedication to Indigenization, including the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.
The Douglas Student Union joined the Moose Hide Campaign in 2020 and the College became an official Ambassador Campus in 2021. Together, the Douglas Student Union and Douglas College have continued to actively support education, dialogue and community engagement to challenge and prevent violence against women and children.
“Douglas College and the Douglas Students’ Union are incredibly proud to have stood alongside the Moose Hide Campaign for many years,” said Devon Davis, Indigenous Student Support Navigator at Douglas College. “Our partnership with the Moose Hide Campaign is essential for building healthy communities, and we’re committed to working together to end the tragic cycle of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”
By promoting Moose Hide campaign outreach programs in classrooms to hundreds of students, hosting Elder teachings and Indigenous-focused violence disclosure trainings for staff, Douglas is committed to fostering safer communities of learning for all students.
“The Moose Hide Campaign's recognition at Douglas College represents not just awareness but meaningful action. This movement honours Indigenous teachings, protects our communities and works to inspire real change among our peers as men and boys take a stand to support women and end gender-based violence,” said Chloe Archuleta, Indigenous Representative at the Douglas Students’ Union. “I’m happy to see the work we’ve done together celebrated today and look forward to collaborating in the future.”
This growing campaign foresees a promising future for change across post-secondaries and in the community.
"Douglas College’s commitment to the Moose Hide Campaign sets a strong example of how educational institutions can lead in addressing gender-based violence. Through student-led social media initiatives, Indigenous-focused training, and classroom outreach engaging hundreds of students and faculty, they are fostering a culture of respect, awareness, and healing—helping to create safer and more inclusive communities," said Dr. Omar Karim, National Director of Post-Secondary Engagement & Initiatives, Moose Hide Campaign.
Learn more about how the Douglas community supports the movement on the DSU website.
About Douglas College
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
About the Moose Hide Campaign
The Moose Hide 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.
For more information, visit moosehidecampaign.ca
Contacts
Katherine Gillard
Manager of Communications
Douglas College
604.307.3947
gillardk@douglascollege.ca
Garry Snow
Director of Communications
Moose Hide Campaign
587.998.9088
communications@moosehidecampaign.ca