City recognizes National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women on December 6

The City recognizes Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women. On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were brutally gunned down by a shooter who said he was “fighting feminism” at Polytechnique Montréal post-secondary school. This violent act of misogyny led to the day’s annual designation in Canada.

This day is about supporting those who have experienced gender-based violence and honouring those we’ve lost to it. It’s also a time to take action.

The City is asking employees to wear a moose hide pin on Dec. 6 as a way to initiate conversations on harmful words and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. These pins – which demonstrate a commitment to honour, respect, and protect women and girls – have been made available as part of the national Moose Hide Campaign. Why a moose hide pin? We’re promoting the Moose Hide Campaign in acknowledgment of the disproportionate gender-based violence against Indigenous women and girls and Two Spirit persons in our local community. Everyone that wears a pin is urged to tell 5 other people what it signifies. Sparking these conversations is an important part of addressing these issues.

On Dec. 6, we remember those we’ve lost and affirm a commitment to end misogyny—the hatred of, contempt for, and prejudice against women and girls. We call on all residents of Saskatoon to speak up against words and actions that are harmful. The flags in Civic Square (south lawn of City Hall) will be lowered on this day to remember the Polytechnique Montréal women and to honour all victims of gender-based violence.