Inside Human Trafficking in Canada

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION AND TO BE HEARD BY ADULTS.”  - Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  “ADULTS SHOULD MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR YOU, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR PROTECTION AND SAFETY.”  - Article 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  Disclaimer: Brief References to Drug Use and Sexual Relations  Together, we can collaborate to end human trafficking.  In the final episode of Inside Human Trafficking in Canada, we focus on how, as community members and human rights advocates, we can do our part to support victims and survivors. Episode 7 arms us with hands-on solutions to end human trafficking of young people.  Expert Lived Experience Leader 'Mimi' Shamin Brown walks us through what has worked, what still needs to be done, and how we can get there together. Author and Illustrator of ‘I’m an Addict: In Bits & Pieces’, Shamin is a social worker and certified health and life coach with a history of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. As a Lived Experience Leader, Shamin has participated in the anti-trafficking movement for over 20 years as both a community member and professional, and has worked with at-risk youth for over 15 years. She is passionate about reducing vulnerability to gender-based violence through public awareness and individual support. In addition to serving as a responsible survivor engagement liaison, collaborative artist, performing artist and public speaker, she supports youth and adult females in finding their voice, owning their story, and living their truth.  To learn more about 'Mimi' Shamin Brown, visit: https://shaminbrownconsulting.com  --  To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action.  To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/  To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/ Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEGAL HELP AND FAIR TREATMENT IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.”  - Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  Disclaimer: Sensitive Topics Discussed (Child Abuse Material, Harassment)  Have you stopped to think about how much of an impact the worldwide web and technology have had on human trafficking, especially during the pandemic? Episode 6 of Inside Human Trafficking in Canada focuses on this linkage between the worldwide web, the law, and human trafficking of young people.  Winnipeg Police Service Staff Sergeant Bob Chrismas, PhD walks us through these important topics and his work in the area, highlighting the critical role of the law and online solutions to end this wicked problem.  Bob Chrismas, PhD, is a Staff Sergeant in his 32nd year with the Winnipeg Police Service, an author, public speaker, scholar, and an award-winning researcher. Dr. Chrismas’ first book, entitled ‘Canadian Policing in the 21st Century: A Frontline Officer on Challenges and Changes’, continues to be used to inform current policing standards. He won the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Dissertation Award for his doctoral research on interrupting sex trafficking in Canada. His latest book, ‘The River of Tears’ (2021), is a literary fiction novel with DIO Press, which focuses on sex trafficking in Canada and exploring its strategies and solutions.  To learn more about Bob Chrismas, visit: https://bchrismas.com  --  To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action.  To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/  To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/  Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO GET HELP IF YOU’VE BEEN ABUSED, NEGLECTED OR TREATED BADLY.”  - Article 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  On this week’s Inside Human Trafficking in Canada episode, we venture into a form of human trafficking that is often disguised and yet normalized for many. Episode 5 focuses on forced marriage, which is commonly seen as a union of love between two consenting individuals. The institution of marriage, however, can be used as a legalized tool to manipulate and exploit one or both individuals, becoming a gateway for human trafficking.  Deepa Mattoo joins us to discuss the human trafficking of young people for the purpose of forced marriage, providing examples, signs of this form of trafficking, and solutions for how we can help end this problem.  Deepa Mattoo is the Executive Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic as well as an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School. Deepa’s work is focused on ending gender-based violence, including forced marriage. Deepa has appeared before parliamentary committees and United Nations civil society meetings, commissions, and courts on human rights issues and has provided education to those working with forced marriage survivors, racialized non-status women, and immigration law clients within the context of gender-based violence.  To learn more about the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, visit: https://schliferclinic.com  --  To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action.  To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/  To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/  Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED FROM WORK THAT IS DANGEROUS OR MIGHT HARM YOUR HEALTH OR EDUCATION.”  - Article 32 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child    Did you know that forced labour is the second most common form of trafficking in Canada, after sexual exploitation? In this week’s Inside Human Trafficking in Canada episode, we explore the often-overlooked world of forced labour.  Forced labour can take place across industries, including agriculture, construction, and domestic labour, and it was at play in the largest human trafficking case to date in our country. Michael Sacco of ChocoSol and Shelley Gilbert of Legal Assistance of Windsor and W.E.C.E.N shed light on this lesser known form of trafficking, with a specific focus on the chocolate industry. Michael Sacco is a writer, strategist, designer, eco-preneur, and founder of ChocoSol, a social enterprise that transforms cacao into small-batch, bean-to-bar, artisanal dark chocolate. ChocoSol, founded in 2004, aspires to a future where the global food system is socially just, and supports community-focused ecological regeneration, inspiring the craft chocolate industry to improve operations and work in partnership with indigenous communities across the Americas. Shelley Gilbert has worked at Legal Assistance of Windsor since 1993. She is currently the Coordinator of Social Work Services and the Chair of the Windsor Essex Anti-Human Trafficking Action Group, W.E.C.E.N. Shelley conducts training and workshops for both NGOs and law enforcement to help identify and provide service to trafficked persons across the country. She has presented models of collaboration, policy gaps, and best practice approaches at national and provincial conferences. She was awarded the Inspirational Leader Award by the Ontario Association of Social Workers in 2014 and the Attorney General Victim Services Award of Distinction in 2016.    To learn more about ChocoSol, visit: chocosoltraders.com To learn more about W.E.C.E.N, visit: wecen.ca (website coming soon!)     --  To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action.    To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/    To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/   Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE. DON’T KEEP THIS A SECRET. TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT SO THAT YOU CAN GET HELP.” - Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Happy International Women’s Day! For this week’s Inside Human Trafficking in Canada episode, we have Kelly Tallon Franklin joining us.  Episode 3, entitled Sexual Exploitation, focuses on the human trafficking of young people for the purpose of sexual exploitation, the most well-known form of human trafficking in Canada. Kelly Tallon Franklin walks us through signs of sexual exploitation, shares important public education initiatives to debunk myths, problematic language, and misconceptions we commonly hear about how sexual exploitation takes place, and what it looks like in our communities. Kelly Tallon Franklin is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, national task force chair, social justice advocate, and noted expert in human trafficking awareness. She is also a human trafficking and child exploitation survivor. With over 20+ years in the field, Kelly has inspired and impacted thousands through her extensive work in policy and community action. Kelly is the founder and Chief Executive Director at ‘Courage For Freedom’ - leading Project Maple Leaf and the #EradicateChallenge, a campaign introduced to spark conversation about the eradication of child exploitation. In 2022, Kelly will be receiving two prestigious awards for her volunteering contributions: the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.  To learn more about Courage for Freedom and their work, visit: courageforfreedom.org  --  To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com  If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action.  To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/ To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/ Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT CHILDREN FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING.” - Article 35 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is back with another episode! This week, Ainsley Krone, Acting Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, joins our host Dr. Karlee Sapoznik Evans to share case examples, statistics and system gaps related to human trafficking through a children’s rights lens, discussing how her office is issuing recommendations to move the dial and end this egregious children’s rights violation in Manitoba. Ainsley Krone is the Acting Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, and has a long history as a Child and Youth Advocate. Ainsley worked for 10 years as a Direct Service Youth Worker and Alternative Education Program Developer in British Columbia. She joined the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth in 2009 as a Special Investigator. Since then, she was appointed Deputy Advocate in 2017 before being named Acting Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth in January 2021. Her work focuses on furthering children’s rights and finding creative ways to amplify the voices of young people. Ainsley holds an MA in Communication, with a specialization in international and intercultural communications, and is a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. -- To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. Inside Human Trafficking in Canada is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action. To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/ To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/ Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO NOT ONLY LIVE, BUT THRIVE!”  - Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Lived Experience Leaders have been leading the charge in the fight against human trafficking across the globe.  In conversation with host Dr. Karlee Sapoznik Evans, Elder Mae Louise Campbell and Elder Laurie Mackenzie of Clan Mothers Healing Village in Manitoba join 'Inside Human Trafficking in Canada' to discuss Canada’s history of human trafficking, and how it has manifested in the lives of children, youth, and young adults through Indigenous, matrilineal perspectives. For over 87 years, Elder Mae Louise Campbell has dedicated her life to the service of others. She was the Keeper of Grandmother Moon Lodge, a healing lodge in Manitoba that served thousands of Indigenous women and girls nationally, as well as the Elder in Residence at Red River College. She now works with Mount Carmel Clinic and sits on Winnipeg’s Indigenous Advisory Circle. She is the co-founder of Clan Mothers Healing Village, a safe space that provides support to victims of multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, including leadership opportunities to help women reintegrate back into their communities and society with a refined and growing skill set. Great White Owl Woman (Elder Laurie Mackenzie) was a member of the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s National Task Force on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada. She is a survivor of sex trafficking and a graduate of the Ndinawe Child and Youth Care Certificate Program at Red River College in Manitoba. As she emphasizes: “All stages of change, shapes, and sizes of people belong. The Indigenous model of understanding is premised on inclusivity and togetherness. This means embracing diversity, respecting intersectionality, and honouring the vast variability in life experience of persons with lived experiences.” To learn more about Clan Mothers Healing Village, visit: clanmothers.ca -- To read podcast transcripts and find more resources, visit: insidehumantraffickingincanada.wordpress.com If you’d like to ask questions, or continue this podcast conversation online, please tag us on social media using #InsideHumanTrafficking. 'Inside Human Trafficking in Canada' is a podcast created by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Youth Troopers for Global Action. To learn more about the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, visit: https://manitobaadvocate.ca/ To learn more about Youth Troopers for Global Action, visit: https://ytga.com/ Special thanks to our audio producers: Daniel Chavez from Sisepuede Productions (https://www.sisepuedeproductions.ca/) and Darshan Dorka from Nexstanza; as well as Prophix Software (https://www.prophix.com/) for providing financial support to YTGA.

'Inside Human Trafficking in Canada' launches February 22nd, 2022 on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform, and learn more online at InsideHumanTraffickinginCanada.wordpress.com.  Together, we will get educated to STOP exploitation.