The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) releases a statement on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Press Release

The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) has released a statement on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day:

Many of the factors that increase a child’s vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking are the same challenges that disproportionately affect Indigenous youth. These include mental health struggles, substance use, exposure to family violence, time spent in foster care, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma.

The OFNYPC stresses that human trafficking prevention begins with equipping young people with knowledge, encouraging open conversations, and strengthening community networks. A key part of prevention is ensuring that young people have the opportunity to learn about their identity, their purpose, and their roles within their circles.

“Young people must be empowered with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their peers from the dangers of human trafficking,” said Tehya Quachegan, co-chair of the OFNYPC. “Learning about body sovereignty and reinforcing the fundamental right to control one’s own body are crucial steps in preventing exploitation and trafficking.”

“When our youth have a strong sense of who they are and where they belong, they become less vulnerable to exploitation. By sharing cultural teachings, building connections with loved ones, and creating supportive spaces where youth feel heard, we can build their resilience against traffickers,” added Quachegan.

The OFNYPC has been actively raising awareness of this issue. In March of 2024, the Council co-hosted a forum on human trafficking with the Chiefs of Ontario Women’s Initiatives Sector. This forum, held during the Ontario First Nations Community Wellness Conference, provided a space for First Nations youth to discuss the issue and learn first-hand accounts from members of the Toronto Police Services’ CARE (Children at Risk of Exploitation) Unit about how to recognize the warning signs of trafficking and protect themselves and others.

The statistics underscore the urgency of action. In Canada, the average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is just 13 years old, with some victims as young as 8. Ontario accounts for 67% of trafficking incidents in Canada, despite being home to only 39% of the population. Indigenous youth face disproportionately high risks due to systemic barriers and vulnerabilities.

“Youth must be equipped with skills to recognize red flags, stay safe online, and protect themselves in their communities,” said Quachegan. “We need more education, more resources, and more spaces where youth can discuss these issues without stigma or fear.”

Key recommendations from the OFNYPC’s human trafficking forum include:

• Expanding the presence of CARE Units or similar anti-trafficking initiatives in First Nations
• Strengthening partnerships between police services and community-based anti-human trafficking organizations.
• Providing youth with culturally safe, trauma-informed education on trafficking prevention.
• Ensuring that awareness materials do not reinforce harmful stereotypes or victim-blaming narratives.
• Advocating for legislation that increases penalties for traffickers while prioritizing survivor protection and support.

To read the full Ontario First Nations Young People’s Council Human Trafficking Forum Report, please visit: http://ofnypc.ca/download/ontario-first-nations-young-peoples-council-human-trafficking-forum-report/

The OFNYPC urges all levels of government to prioritize the safety of Indigenous youth and invest in sustainable, long-term solutions to combat human trafficking. First Nations youth have the right to live free from exploitation, and it is the collective responsibility of governments, organizations, and communities to ensure their protection.

In addition, the OFNYPC encourages families, educators, and community leaders to learn to recognize the warning signs of trafficking, create safe spaces for open discussion, and promote cultural teachings that strengthen identity and self-esteem.

On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the Council calls on all First Nations to stand together in protecting the next generations.

For more information on human trafficking prevention and resources, please visit:

• Joy Smith Foundation https://joysmithfoundation.com
• The Canadian Centre To End Human Trafficking https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/human-trafficking-trends-in-canada-2019-2020/
• Ontario Native Women’s Association https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-ht

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

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