Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Presentation by Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

What to expect

Join us for an important and impactful presentation by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) (external link)  focused on Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking.

This session will explore:

• The disproportionate impact of human trafficking on Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada
  
• The urgent need for culturally grounded, community-led solutions
  
• Insights from ONWA’s Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison (IAHTL) Program, a survivor-focused initiative created by and for Indigenous people
  

Participants will gain:

• A high-level understanding of what human trafficking is and how it presents in communities
  
• Practical steps to take if they suspect trafficking is occurring
  
• Knowledge of the systemic and historical factors contributing to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in trafficking and exploitation
  
  

This presentation is open to all community members, service providers, and allies. Come learn how we can stand together in support of Indigenous communities and work toward ending human trafficking.

About the organizers/team 

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) (external link)  is a not for profit organization to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities. 

Established in 1971, ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Indigenous women and their families regardless of their status or locality.  We are committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantee the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well–being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best life.​

ONWA welcomes and has always been inclusive of all self-identifying Indigenous women and girls, including Two-Spirit people. This includes welcoming the many social identities that we each hold.

This event is part of Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week at TMU

This event is part of reconciliation at TMU.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada released the report Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (external link) , which outlines the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system and 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of those schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. 

In response to the TRC’s Education Calls to Action, after two years of community consultations, TMU released the Truth and Reconciliation Community Consultation Summary Report and established the TRC Strategic Working Group, which structured much of TMU’s work toward addressing the Calls to Action.

Today, TMU remains committed to increasing awareness of Indigenous histories, worldviews and cultures and continues to promote inclusion of Indigenous persons and perspectives at the university and foster respectful dialogue and relationships between both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty, staff and community members. Learn more about TMU’s ongoing work toward Truth and Reconciliation.

As part of TMU’s ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, this event will highlight the histories, cultures and treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Through presentations, discussions and community engagement, attendees will gain deeper insight into treaty relationships and their contemporary significance. Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week (November 3 – 7) is a time to learn, reflect and engage in collective responsibility toward reconciliation.

Kina gwaya bizhaak! All are welcome! 

Attendees are encouraged to wear orange or red. 

Closed captioning will be available on Zoom

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please let us know on the registration form.

Wellness & Cultural Support

Weecheetowin Support Services (external link)  (pronounced Wee-cheet-owin), will be on-site to provide mental wellness and cultural support.

Crisis Support   

For immediate crisis support, please call MMIWG Crisis Line 1-844-413-6649 or Hope For Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about supports available to Indigenous students, faculty and staff at TMU (see section titled, “Support for Indigenous students, faculty and staff.”)

Additional Support for Indigenous students, faculty and staff 

For Indigenous students 

Indigenous students can access culturally supportive programs and services, including peer support groups and Indigenous traditional counselling through Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services. 

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) is working in collaboration with Indigenous Initiatives and Indigenous Student Services in the OVPECI to offer counselling support to Indigenous students. Indigenous students looking to learn more or book an appointment can contact Lisa LaFreniere at lisa.lafreniere@torontomu.ca and Eden Abraham at eden.abraham@torontomu.ca. 

Good2Talk (external link)  is a free, confidential and anonymous service for post-secondary students for 24/7 professional counselling. Good2Talk also provides mental health information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being. Access their services immediately by calling 1-866-925-5454 or texting “GOOD2TALKON” to 686868.

For Indigenous faculty and staff

Through the university’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), Telus Health, Workplace Wellbeing Services and Indigenous Initiatives have arranged for Michael Diotte (Indigenous trauma counsellor) to be available for individual, confidential, virtual or in-person counselling (Michael is located in Oshawa area).

Indigenous employees (who have self-identified through the Employee Diversity Self-ID Program) can call the Telus Health Care Access Centre at 1-844-880-9142 and request an appointment with Michael.

Indigenous employees who have not self-identified through the Employee Diversity Self-ID Program and wish to access support through Life Works are also eligible for this service. If you have any questions about your eligibility for EFAP services, contact Jennifer Alefounder (Director, Workplace Wellbeing) at jennifer.alefounder@torontomu.ca. Jennifer continues to be a member of the working group that oversees the ongoing resources and support of Indigenous employees.This event is wheelchair accessible

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please let us know on the registration form.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Crystal Osawamick, Manager, Indigenous Events and Special Projects, at indigevents@torontomu.ca.