Indigenous campaign bans Rustad from wearing Moose Hide Pin [Video]

An Indigenous-led campaign against gender-based violence is withdrawing permission for BC Conservative Leader John Rustad to wear its pin.

Rustad has worn the diamond-shaped Moose Hide Pin on his jacket for years. The pins are meant to signify a commitment to honour and respect women, and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence.

But in a letter to Rustad dated Tuesday, Moose Hide Campaign co-founder and spokesperson Raven Lacerte said the group was taking the “rare and extraordinary step” of withdrawing its permission to wear the item.

“Elected leaders have a unique level of responsibility and accountability to uphold basic standards of respect, including respect for Indigenous Peoples and for those along the gender continuum,” she wrote.

“It is our position that you are not upholding these standards. ”

The letter doesn’t directly elaborate on those reasons, and Global News is seeking further context from the Moose Hide Campaign.

Asked about the letter Wednesday, Rustad said he has supported the Moose …