Patrick Park Tighe wants men to get involved in a fast that’s part of a larger anti-violence movement across Canada — the Moose Hide Campaign.
The People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, of which he is executive director, is supporting this effort.
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He’s calling on men to participate in a grassroots effort led by community members to contribute to standing up against all forms of violence in our communities, especially violence towards women and children.
“By participating in this fast, we are trying to support the Moose Hide Campaign, but more importantly are trying to raise the issue in our region and engage men in creating a culture of change,” Park Tighe said.
He said from an Indigenous perspective, it’s important to recognize and honour the role of women in families and communities.
“We are all better when women feel empowered and safe and free from the threat of violence,” Park Tighe said.
Paul Pike, co-ordinator for the fast — taking place from 6 p.m. on Wednesday to 6 p.m. on Thursday at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre in St. George’s, is hoping for good attendance at this community sharing circle.
The circle and fast is intended to give men the opportunity to socialize and to talk about issues relating to violence.
If you are male and it is medically safe for you to participate, you are invited to the fast, which will be followed by a potluck feast (all participants please bring a food item to share).
With that said, Pike added participants do not have to fast in order to take part in this gathering at 329 Main St. in St. George’s.
One of the most important things a man can do to help end violence against women and children is to promote gender equality, healthy relationships and positive ideas of masculinity by speaking out against gender-based violence, Pike said.
The Moose Hide Campaign is distributing one million moose hide squares across Canada and the local friendship centre is proud to be assisting in getting the end-violence word out.
Moose Hide Campaign Mission:
We will stand up with women and children and we will speak out against violence toward them.
We will support each other as men and we will hold each other accountable.
We will teach our young boys about the true meaning of love and respect, and we will be healthy role models for them.
We will heal ourselves as men and we will support our brothers on their healing journey.
We encourage you to take action, make the pledge and stand up to end violence toward women and children.
Source: moosehidecampaign.ca
