Thank you. I'm very happy to be here today to talk about this very important topic.
Hello. My name is Ieesha Sankar. I'm from Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation and I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I'm here today to represent the organization I work for, which is Ka Ni Kanichihk.
Ka Ni Kanichihk means “those who lead” in Cree and was established in 2001, when a community of indigenous women recognized it was time to reclaim women's roles as experts and leaders in their own social and community development. We have expanded our community programming since then, based on what people need to continue their journeys. As an indigenous-led and -delivered organization that helps urban, indigenous people—primarily women—who want to change their lives or become more educated, strengthen their families, come to a safe space, rise from poverty or gain employment, Ka Ni Kanichihk delivers tailored programs and mentorships that help individuals get to where they want to be.
Ka Ni Kanichihk is in the community of Winnipeg's core area. We are dedicated to delivering holistic programs and services that respond to community needs. We provide indigenous-identified programs and services that focus on wellness and build on the strength and resilience of indigenous peoples. We have multiple grassroots programs that support individual and collective growth and development in adult education, youth job readiness and skills development mentorship programming, building cultural awareness and wellness support services.
The Mushkowzee Ikew program, which is an empowerment project, is a three-year, community-based project geared to 14- to 29-year-old indigenous female and non-binary people at risk of sexual exploitation, being trafficked, becoming involved with the justice system or living in poverty. Grounded in a strength-based empowerment framework and an organizational philosophy of culture as prevention, the project works with a minimum of 20 participants per year, for a total of 60 participants over the project time frame. Due to more participation and return to the project after periods of being away.... This will increase the capacity of the project, with the potential to work with up to 100-plus participants over the course of the project.
The project has four pillars: life skills, cultural reclamation, empowerment, and healing and pre-employment training. Implementation incorporates individualized learning in combination with online programming, small group work, land-based cultural connectivity and customized wraparound mentorship. Using a continuous intake model, the project has an intensive engagement, knowledge transfer and service delivery approach, combined with positive mentorship relationships that will strengthen those protective factors, increasing resilience and reducing negative influences, such as gang involvement and sexual exploitation.
The Mushkowzee Ikew program is delivered using a community resource approach. It seeks to build on individual strengths, uses knowledge-based programming, belonging and empowerment. Cultural programming takes place throughout the project and focuses on participation in activities related to establishing, or re-establishing, traditional knowledge and practices, such as traditional teachings, drum-making, beading, medicine-picking and participation in a variety of traditional ceremonies. Each participant has a mentor who will provide coaching and mentorship in the areas of life skills, budgeting, counselling, treatment, medical and legal advocacy, community service referral and employment supports.
This project works in partnership with community and youth corrections, female offender unit, Manitoba Justice to receive project referrals, and with the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network in supporting harm reduction supplies and practices.
The Mushkowzee Ikew program objectives are preventing and combatting human sex trafficking. It works to prevent revictimization through building support networks and safety planning. It supports recovery and healing for victims and survivors, while empowering participants to regain independence and community reintegration. Grounded in indigenous cultural histories and traditions, the project programming and ways of being provide a strong base to uniquely empower indigenous people to heal through the victimization and trauma they have experienced.
Human trafficking knows no borders. It is crucial that we raise awareness about this issue and work together to combat it. Governments and law enforcement agencies have an important role to play in addressing human trafficking. They can strengthen laws and policies to prevent human trafficking, investigate and prosecute perpetrators, and provide support and protection to victims.
In conclusion, human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of people around the world. It is a complex and multi-faceted problem that requires a comprehensive response. We must work together to prevent human trafficking to protect victims and fund more programs like Mushkowzee Ikew, which provides assistance to victims and works towards the prevention of human trafficking.
By doing so, we can help to ensure that all people can live free from exploitation.
Meegwetch for listening.