Human and Drug Trafficking Prevention Workshop

The Human Trafficking Education for Prevention (HTEP) group of volunteers worked Rita Khanchat, Associate Director of the FCJ Centre, and with Helen McPhaden of Stardale Women’s Group, to invite presenters to a weekend workshop to learn and share information on the growing issue of the trafficking of humans and drugs in Southern Alberta. The goal of the workshop, which received funding from the Calgary Foundation, was to provide a forum for the various Indigenous groups of southern Alberta to get a better understanding of how to prevent human and drug trafficking within their communities by learning and sharing insights, and building or reinforcing connections, and ideally creating an anti-trafficking network that would solidify and augment their collective efforts.

People from Piikani, Stoney Nakoda and Metis Nations, along with HTEP members, FCJ Centre staff, Calgary Foundation representatives and various speakers and elders gathered for this workshop at the FCJ Christian Life Centre in Calgary. The formal presenters included Sgt. Julian Klyne (Head of the Indigenous Relations Team, Calgary Police), two representatives of the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta, the Stardale group drummers and Helen McPhaden, and Teresa Snow of Stoney Nakoda.

To open Day 1, Elder Wanda First Rider led everyone in prayer and a smudge. Due to the heavy rain, the ceremony had to be held indoors. Elder Wanda had worked with Calgary Catholic Schools and Stardale for many years.

Sergeant Julian Klyne, himself First Nations, spoke about his many experiences during his 20 years as a policemen, 10 years of which were dedicated to the problem of drug trafficking. His courage and desire to improve society were truly inspiring.

Helen McPhaden introduced the Stardale Women’s Group and then we enjoyed a drum and song performance by their drummers, including songs from three  indigenous origins.  Calgary playwright Eugene Stickland then introduced a short film, ‘The Road’, with a screenplay based on the written words of the indigenous girls present.

Tara Braconovic from ACT explained that ACT Alberta is a provincial charity and one of the few non-profit agencies that provide front-line services to victims and survivors of both labour and sex trafficking. She presented startling statistics quantifying the magnitude of the problem and illustrating where it is happening and how, as well as the growing problem of online grooming and recruitment. The public is welcome to access and share information on their website, https://www.weareact.org/. 

On Day 2, Rev. Tony Snow from Stoney Nakoda, a United Church ordained minister from Stoney Nakoda, prayed and offered the smudge. His sister, Teresa Snow, spoke of her extensive and relevant educational and experiential background and provided more information and real examples about the growing challenges faced by the indigenous communities in addressing these two trafficking issues.  Additionally and importantly, Teresa addressed the topic of how the various indigenous groups need to connect and move forward as a united front against these challenges.

Workshop participants shared generously and sincerely from their hearts in response to the speakers and about their own histories and experiences. The meals and accommodation provided by the FCJ Centre were greatly appreciated. 

After a final communal lunch and before leaving for home, workshop participants expressed a hope to gather again, ideally with the full contingent of regional indigenous groups present, and to share their work and progress within their collective communities to prevent human and drug trafficking.

Sr. Terry Smith, FCJ, and Brenda Walker - members of HTEP