Ending Human Trafficking

Jun 16, 2021 |1:00pm-3:00pm

“Recruitment. Coercion. Sexual Exploitation = Human Trafficking” –PACT-Ottawa

It’s easy to think that human trafficking doesn’t happen here. But the Ottawa Police Service has an entire unit dedicated to this issue. According to their site, “Most sex trafficking victims have been groomed and conditioned to believe their exploiter is trustworthy and not someone using them; others are controlled by fear and brutality.”

The Mamidosewin Centre and Project Lighthouse will be hosting a virtual event to build awareness, educate, and promote organizations that are committed to ending the unacceptable practice of human trafficking in all its forms, both locally and globally. We will be hosting Alison Recollet-Simon (read her bio below) as our guest speaker for the event, as well as representatives from:

  • PACT-Ottawa (Persons Against the Crimes of Trafficking in Humans), which helps to promote human trafficking awareness and networking among social service providers in our community, helping to ensure that these services are well adapted to the particular needs of trafficked persons.
  • Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R), which paves the way for permanent eradication of child sex trafficking through coordinated rescue and recovery planning. O.U.R. has made a significant impact in the fight to end sex trafficking and sexual exploitation by rescuing and supporting thousands of survivors in 28 countries and 26 U.S. states.

Open to all Algonquin College students and employees. Advance registration is required. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register now

About Alison

Alison Recollet-Simon, N’nuknea Shkwodea Kwe – Balance of Fire Woman, is Anishinabe Kwe from Wikwemikong, Bear Clan. Her spirit helpers are the Little People. Her parents are the late Sheila Recollet (Shigwadja) who worked at Mindemoya Hospital and shared knowledge and language to first nations people, and John Recollet, who is a residential school survivor and knowledge keeper.

Alison has worked on healing from violence, sexual abuse, and reclaiming her identity and has actively worked towards the abolishment of human trafficking and cultural wellness and education. Places she has worked and served include:

  • Wikwemikong Health Centre
  • N’Gwagan Gamig Treatment Centre delivering the Partner Assault Response Program
  • John Howard Society of Toronto as a Native Inmate Liaison Officer
  • “Grandmothers Mobilizing Communities Against Human Trafficking” which is now Keegadowak Grandmother’s Council
  • Nookamis for Ontario Native Women’s Association for traditional support in their Circle of Care Program Training.
  • PACT OTTAWA-Persons Against the Crime of Trafficking in Humans Membership
  • United Urban Warrior Society of Manitoulin and North Shore Area
  • Working Together Citizens’ Advisory Committees to the Correctional Service of Canada
  • Toronto Urban Aboriginal Strategy Steering Committee
  • Mekwatawgsajig Council, Manitoulin Health Centre”
  • Traditional Advisory Committee, Mnaamodzawin Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
  • Wikwemikong Board of Education Committee
  • Wikwemikong Heritage Organization Committee
  • N’gwagan Gamig Recovery Centre Board of Director and President

Alison’s work has given her opportunities to share her journey of healing and deliver traditional teachings, resources, and practices. As an advocate, she saw a lack of resources on family violence pertaining to Anishinabek, and created the Firekwe Channel. You can watch this video, “The Seven Grandfather Teachings: A Women’s Story of Healing,” which was written for victims and survivors of family violence and sexual abuse.

Event Location

  • Remote (Online Event)