Moose Hide Campaign Day 2025
On May 15, 2025 I joined 13, 000 BC Public Servants in a National Day of learning and
promotion of healthy relationships alongside members of Indigenous (First Nations,
Metis and Inuit) communities. There was ceremony, teaching and a walk to demonstrate
our commitment to ending violence against children, women and gender diverse people.
All this transformative energy came to fruition through the combined efforts of a
daughter and father team, Raven and Paul Lacerte of the Carrier Nation who first
envisioned this grassroots effort as they hunted along the Highway of Tears in British
Columbia more than ten years ago.
Based in Victoria, I have the privilege of participating in the march to the legislature
where a diverse group of people – representing corporations, various levels of
government, school district staff and their students, faith communities, neighbours-
gather to listen to speakers and experience the power of drumming and dancing
together, united in purpose. I come to this event as a member of Greater Victoria Acting
Together (GVAT) through my affiliations with BCGEU and Avodah Social Action of
Congregation Emanu-El (CEE).
I participated in two virtual workshops this year – Allyship in Action: Listening, Learning
and Walking Together with Kim Trottier of Culturally Committed Culturally Safe Services
Education | Culturally Committed and Harmony in Circle with Beau Wagner of the
Healing Canoe ProgramMeet Beau – Beau Wagner Art, both very effective storytellers,
with markedly different communication styles and backgrounds. Kim, a non-Indigenous
dental hygienist working in remote Northern communities who has been recognized for
allyship through creating cultural safety in healthcare. Beau, an Indigenous person
brought back into culture through a carving mentorship who now utilizes art as a
medium for healing of those who have been impacted by intergenerational trauma.
Their stories were intensely personal and their sharing was vulnerable, neither seeing
themselves as any more or less than regular people doing meaningful things under
extraordinary circumstances.
In previous years, I have volunteered at the end of day feast in support of those who
choose to fast, accompanied by their family, friends and any community members who
have participated in the day. I have also attended the key notespeakers events and in-
person workshops. All have been worthwhile. I have been unconditionally welcomed, in
spite of or perhaps because of my role as a social worker.
To become a better ally, I need to do whatever needs doing, to leave my colonized ways
at the door (to the extent that is possible) and to consistently show up as a whole
person first, engaged in relational practice, without an agenda and with the right
intention. Every year I get a little more clarity about what I can do in the service of
reconciliation, to amplify Indigenous voices and to elevate Indigenous initiatives that
provide mental wellness for all ofour relatives across Turtle Island. It is a gift to us that
the BC Public Service promotes our involvement, pays our wages for the day if we
make attending part of our Professional Development Plan. Highlights can be watched
here. Many thanks to Stephanie Papik, Director, BC Public Service, Moose Hide
Campaign who organizes events for employees of the BC Government in relation to this
National Day of Action as well as other opportunities for public servants to both learn
and unlearn about our shared history.
With gratitude to the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations whose territory I am based and
where we gather as members of Greater Victoria Acting Together (GVAT) and for Moose
Hide Campaign Day,
Sue Ward
GVAT Indigenous Relations Learning Circle Volunteer
