(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

exploiting the most vulnerable

Human trafficking presentation held in Melfort

Jan 30, 2025 | 3:30 PM

There were sobering presentations at a human trafficking presentation in Melfort on Thursday.

Marguerite Riel Centre presented a ‘Help Stop Human Trafficking’ event at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Prince Albert sexual assault counselor Amy Acorn was one of the guest speakers at the presentation.

She told northeastNOW while human trafficking is often thought of as originating from larger centres, it really can happen anywhere – even a community as small as Melfort.

“It is absolutely happening in Prince Albert, and we’re even hearing of stories that are happening in our northern communities as well,” Acorn said. “It’s important for us to remember that this is happening in our cities, possibly in our backyards – we just need to be aware of this.”

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In her presentation, Acorn said human trafficking is often referred to as modern-day slavery, with sexual exploitation and forced labour often the result. Victims experience physical, psychological, and/or emotional trauma that is challenging to overcome.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Acorn said it’s important to increase awareness and education on what types of things to look for when it comes to trafficking.

“Looking for different signs such as not being able to speak for themselves, being in the presence of someone who looks like they are not responsive to, and just not looking like they’re doing well. Those would be the key signs to start asking questions and maybe try to help.”

Trafficked individuals are often malnourished, have physical injuries, avoid eye contact, have no identification, and lack personal possessions. Some are branded or tattooed.

The statistics regarding human trafficking are sobering. Ninety-six per cent of human trafficking victims are women and girls. Ninety-one per cent of victims know their traffickers. Seventy-two per cent are under the age of 25. In 2021, Saskatchewan saw human trafficking cases at 1.8 times the national average, and while Aboriginal people represent four per cent of the general population, over 50 per cent of trafficked people are Aboriginal.

Sadly, Acorn said one of the greatest risk factors is simply being a girl. She told northeastNOW it’s vital all children are educated and understand the dangers out there.

Acorn recommends the Not in My City initiative, supported by Canadian country musician Paul Brandt. Their vision is to prevent, disrupt and end exploitation and human trafficking. They aim to raise awareness and empower survivors of human trafficking.

She said having agencies like PA Mobile Crisis and Marguerite Riel Centre coming together to discuss an uncomfortable but important topic like human trafficking is important to help keep the community and its children safe.

Other presentations at Thursday’s event in Melfort included lawyer and advocate Alyson Bear, Chanda Hetzel and Chelsea Naytowhow of the RCMP, and Kendra Mazer of Hope Restored.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com