CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 25-27, 2024
FROM THE BOARD AND STAFF OF GIGNOO TRANSITION HOUSE,
It is our privilege to welcome you all to "Voices of Resilience: Collaborative Approaches to Combat Human Trafficking." This event is a significant opportunity to unite in our shared commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of human trafficking in our communities.
We are joined by a remarkable group of leaders, advocates, frontline workers, and community members all dedicated to making a difference. We are particularly grateful for the presence of our Indigenous leaders, whose guidance and wisdom are vital to this conversation and to the solutions we seek
This event brings together a powerful lineup of experts, survivors, and advocates who will share their experiences, strategies, and insights Our goal is to explore collaborative, community-based approaches to combat trafficking and to empower each of us to take action whether in our roles as leaders, supporters, or allies.
Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collective strength and resilience. It impacts the most vulnerable among us, particularly Indigenous women and girls. It is only by working together, guided by the voices of survivors and those on the front lines, that we can create meaningful change.
We encourage you to listen, learn, and engage throughout the program. And as we move forward, let’s commit to taking the knowledge and ideas we gain and sharing them widely within our communities. Together, we can create safer, more resilient futures for all.
TANNA PIRIE WILSON
President, Board of Directors, Gignoo Transition House Conference Co-MC
Tanna, a proud Wolastoqiyik from Neqotkuk Maliseet Nation, has built a distinguished career in public service and leadership, becoming her community's first female Senior Band Administrator and CEO. Passionate about Indigenous rights, she mentors youth and champions sustainable, inclusive futures. Her work is rooted in advancing Indigenous women ’ s rights and community well-being.
NATASHA MARTIN-MITCHELL
Past President, Board of Directors, Gignoo Transition House Conference Co-MC
Natasha Martin-Mitchell, a Mi’gmaq fashion designer from Listuguj, blends creativity with her heritage. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in program delivery and project management, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Passionate about community, she serves on multiple boards and advocates for social justice, recently earning the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal.
DAY 1 Monday, November 25, 2024
12:30 - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 2:00 PM
REGISTRATION
WELCOMING REMARKS & OPENING PRAYER
THEME 1 - Understanding Human Trafficking: Unmasking the Crisis
Dive into the definitions, context, and scope of human trafficking. Gain a clear understanding of its impact and the various forms it takes.
2:00 - 3:00 PM OPENING ADDRESS
This opening session will provide an overview of human trafficking, examining its global, national, and provincial impacts, with a key focus on the Indigenous context.
KELLY TALLON-FRANKLIN
Chief Executive Director/Founder Courage for Freedom Conference Messenger
An expert on human trafficking with lived experience overcoming childhood sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and both sex and labor trafficking Passionate about equine therapies, policy, and system navigation, Kelly is a fierce advocate dedicated to antiexploitation movements and systemic change through projects and policy initiatives.
DAY 2
AXELLE ECHARDOUR
Master’s Student at l’Université de Moncton Researcher for Sexual Violence NB
Axelle is a second-year master's student in social sciences at the Université de Moncton, specializing in criminology Her research focuses on the criminality of women and gender-diverse people, gender-based violence, and victimology, all approached through an intersectional, feminist, and non-oppressive lens.
3:00 - 3:15 PM HEALTH BREAK
3:15 - 4:30 PM PANEL DISCUSSION
THE SCOPE AND IMPACT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NEW BRUNSWICK
Day 1 continued on page 4
PANELLISTS:
ELIZABETH CLARK
Executive Director, EFryNB
JULIA DRYDYK
Executive Director, The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking Facilitator
A skilled researcher with expertise in community engagement, policy development, and advocacy, Julia focuses on tackling complex social issues. She drives collective action by fostering shared learning and capacity building across sectors, working to end human trafficking through collaboration and strategic initiatives.
A PhD student at Dalhousie University with 12 years of experience in the criminal legal field, Elizabeth is focused on improving protection strategies for survivors of human trafficking. Her work with survivors has inspired her to develop approaches tailored specifically to the New Brunswick and Maritime context
JILL KNEE
Acting Director, Public Prosecutions
A Crown prosecutor since 2008 and a member of the Internet Child Exploitation team, Jill specializes in judicial authorizations and complex prosecutions, particularly cases involving online exploitation and abuse. Her expertise lies in navigating intricate legal challenges to ensure justice for vulnerable victims.
JAY MICHAUD
DAY 2
Program Advisor, Women’s Equality NB
Jay works on New Brunswick's response to human trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. She holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo, where her research focused on the intersections of feminist philosophy, gender studies, and social justice, shaping her expertise in addressing critical social issues
TYSON NELSON
RCMP Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Province of NB Royal Canadian Mounted Police
With over 19 years of service as a police officer with the RCMP, Tyson is a court-recognized expert witness in human trafficking and drug trafficking. Currently, he serves as the human trafficking coordinator for police in the province of New Brunswick, leading efforts to combat exploitation and trafficking.
Panellists continued on page 5
TOREY SOLOMON
Indigenous Community Response Advisor
Sexual Violoence New Brunswick
Torey is a Wolastoqiyik ehpit and advocate for systemic reform and community healing, dedicated to ensuring support and justice for those impacted by sexual violence. Her work focuses on developing trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to sexual violence across Wabanaki Territory, fostering healing and empowerment for affected communities.
4:30 - 5:00 PM DAY 1 WRAP UP
6:00 PM NETWORKING DINNER
DAY 2 Tuesday, November 26, 2024
7:30 - 8:30 AM BUFFET BREAKFAST
8:30 AM WELCOME DAY 2
9:00 - 10:30 AM PANEL DISCUSSION FACILITATED BY KELLY TALLON-FRANKLIN
Spotlight on our Survivors features inspiring voices of resilience as survivors share their personal journeys of overcoming adversity This panel offers insights into healing, empowerment, and the crucial role of community support in their paths toward recovery and growth. Join us to honor their courage and explore how we can build a more compassionate society.
DAY 2
PANELLISTS:
CARLA DEVLIN
Survivors’ Advocate, Trainor and Counsellor
Carla, a Sixties Scoop survivor, was exploited in human trafficking at a young age. With degrees in Social Work and Gerontology, she is a certified addiction counselor. Carla facilitates training and workshops on human trafficking, serves on the Ottawa Coalition to End Human Trafficking, and is Mi'kmaq from Millbrook First Nation.
Panellists continued on page 6
CASANDRA DIAMOND
Survivors’ Advocate, Founder of BridgeNorth Casandra is a recognized anti-trafficking leader in Canada, advising all levels of government. In 2014, she founded BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship & Advocacy Services in York Region, Ontario, to combat sex trafficking through direct service, public education, and advocacy, providing holistic care and support for exploited individuals through prevention and exit strategies.
BRIDGET PERRIER
Survivors’ Advocate, Wasayakwe Consulting
Bridget Perrier, a First Nations woman known as Wasayakwe (Women of Light), was adopted after her Ojibaway mother sought a better life for her. After enduring abuse and exploitation, she co-founded Sextrade101 to educate on prostitution and trafficking, advocating for survivors and raising awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous women
10:30 - 10:45 AM HEALTH BREAK
THEME 2 - Empowering Frontline Heroes: Tools and Resources
Equip yourself with essential tools and resources to effectively identify, respond to, and support victims of human trafficking.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM SPEAKERS’ SHOWCASE
DAY 2
This session will feature expert presentations on identifying the signs of human trafficking and understanding the best practices for intervention Speakers will cover key topics such as trauma-informed care, legal procedures, and crisis intervention techniques, while also highlighting innovative initiatives that are making a difference in the fight against human trafficking.
KAREN BERNARD
Consultant, Evening Star Vision Designs
TOPIC: TAKING CARE OF YOUR SPIRIT
Reigning from Wekoqmaq First Nation, this proud Mi'kmaq woman is the daughter of the late Oka warrior Lawrence (Lunch) Bernard and residential school survivor Lena Bernard A mother of two, she addresses social justice issues, is a published author for Nelson Education, and enjoys cooking, nature, and quilting.
Speakers’s Showcase continued on page 6
SAMANTHA MACNEILL
Nurse Advisor, Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Program
TOPIC: I SEE YOU - PRACTICAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT YOU TO BETTER SUPPORT THEM
Samantha is a registered nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with 24 years of experience supporting survivors and individuals at risk of sexual exploitation and intimate partner violence. She serves as the Nurse Advisor for the Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Program and played a key role in developing the Region of Peel’s Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Strategy
11:45 AM TO 1:15 PM LUNCH AND LEARN
Join us for a Lunch and Learn with two inspiring speakers who have driven impactful change within their organizations to combat human trafficking. Discover the challenges they faced, their innovative strategies, and how you can take action within your own organization
SUSAN ORLANDO
Deputy Director, Ontario Ministry of Attorney General
The Provincial Coordinator of Ontario’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Team since its inception in 2017, Susan has provided legal and strategic advice to the Chief Prosecutor for Ontario for nearly 10 years. A graduate of the University of Ottawa Law School, she was called to the Bar in 1997 and began her career as an Assistant Crown Attorney in downtown Toronto.
DAY 2
CORPORAL DAVID LANE
Creator and Architect of Nova Scotia's Human Trafficking Unit/Strategy
A police court expert on human trafficking, with extensive experience in drug, gang, and serious organized crime investigations, David understands the interconnectedness of human trafficking with these activities. Since 2015, he has pushed the limits of human trafficking enforcement, developing an innovative, victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to gaining the trust of victims and assisting them in exiting the trade Corporal Lane has presented both nationally and internationally on his ‘out of the box’ methods for addressing this crime.
1:15 PM - 2:45 PM SPEAKERS’ SHOWCASE CONTINUES
DAY 2
See Elizabeth’s Bio on page 4
ASHLEY MACDONALD
YWCA Moncton
TOPIC: SUPPORTING YOUTH AND FAMILIES - THE WORK OF BRAVE YW
A skilled manager of the YWCA Moncton’s youth and employment department, Ashley brings over 20 years of youth work experience. Leading the Brave YW project, she focuses on building community and mentoring youth Previously, she spent 10 years in northern Canada with YWCA NWT and enjoys life with her daughter and two Siberian Huskies.
ANDIE MARKS
Justice Lead, Sexual Violence New Brunswick
TOPIC: SEX TRAFFICKING RESPONSE TRAINING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NEW BRUNSWICK
Andie’s work focuses on enhancing access to resources, support, and justice for survivors of sexual violence She collaborates with institutions and service providers across New Brunswick through professional development, policy initiatives, and advocacy, striving to create a more supportive environment for those affected by sexual violence
ASHLEY F. TINGLEY
Director of Stakeholder Relations, The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
TOPIC: NATIONAL ANTI-TRAFFICKING TRENDS AND THE CANADIAN HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE RESOURCE
In her role as Director of Stakeholder Relations and Partnerships, Ashley enhances cross-sectoral collaboration by developing strategic anti-trafficking partnerships with survivor leaders, frontline partners, police, governments, advocates, and private sector companies Working with a dedicated team, she leverages collective knowledge and expertise to inform The Centre's advocacy, partnerships, engagement activities, and Hotline operations.
ELIZABETH CLARK
Executive Director, EFryNB
TOPIC: LET’S TALK! HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE MARITIMES
2:45 PM TO 3:00 PM HEALTH BREAK
THEME 3 - Raising the Alarm: Public Awareness and Education
Amplify your voice in the fight against human trafficking. Learn how to educate others and raise awareness in your community.
3:00 to 4:00 PM PRESENTATION
COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION
AUDREY MARSHALL
Ma’sl Advisory and Consulting Services
Audrey Marshall is an adjunct professor and owner of Ma’sl Advisory and Consulting Services, as well as President of the Mi’kmaq Circle of Hope Society She lectures on Indigenous rights and teaches Indigenous law and policy. As co-founder of the Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre, she advocates for women affected by human trafficking.
4:00 - 4:30 PM DAY 2 WRAP UP
6:00 PM NETWORKING DINNER
7:30 PM JOIN US FOR MOVIE NIGHT - SCREENING OPEN TO PUBLIC
DAY 2
Newly released, directed and co-produced by Anna Jane Edmonds, this impactful documentary uses first-hand accounts of survivors, community organizers and others to convey the nightmarish reality faced by many women and children along Ontario’s busy corridors-linked to all highways and communities in Canada. As Edmonds reveals via the film’s effectively deployed array of interviews, the 401 is not just the busiest highway in North America but a seldomacknowledged pipeline for human traffickers in Canada. The highly mobile nature of this shadow economy makes it even more difficult to combat the problem and provide support and care to the people it affects But by highlighting these issues and challenges, through Survivor experiences, Edmonds provides viewers with a pathway toward a more hopeful future as an ethical ally in this fight
DAY 3 Wednesday, November 27, 2024
7:30 - 8:30 AM BUFFET BREAKFAST
8:30 AM WELCOME DAY 3
9:00 - 10:30 AM PANEL DISCUSSION FROM COMMUNITY, FOR COMMUNITY
Grassroots solutions and collaborative efforts driven by and for the people they serve.
PANELLISTS:
JODY SMITH
SHEILA SWASSON
Manger, Haven House
Facilitator
Sheila, a proud Mi'gmaq woman from the Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for women ’ s issues, particularly violence against women. In 2006, she cycled over 7,000 km across Canada to raise awareness about violence and abuse against Indigenous women, a highlight of her career.
Coordinator, Spirit of Hope Project & Maanaji’iwin Program Coordinator, Treaty Three Police Services
DAY 2
Jody works with 23 First Nations to promote Indigenous student success within the Treaty Territory and address victimization, particularly related to Missing Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and Human Trafficking. She serves Fort Frances, Kenora, and Dryden, holds a degree in First Nation Health Management, and was nominated for the Indigenous Leadership Award in 2023.
SHELLEY WALKER
Chief Executive Officer/Founder
Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada
With over 30 years of experience in the trucking industry, Shelley is a respected leader, professional driver, and advocate for women, focusing on education, mentorship, and empowerment. She has received multiple awards, including the 2020 Woman of Inspiration™ Rural Leader Award and the Courage Award from NSTSA
10:30 TO 10:45 AM HEALTH BREAK
THEME 4 - Turning the Tide: Solutions and Strategies for Change
Explore actionable strategies and solutions to combat human trafficking. Discover how you can contribute to a world free from exploitation.
10:45 - 12:00 AM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM
A facilitated discussion on how to mobilize communities to raise awareness.
SESSION FACILITATED BY JULIA DRYDYK AND JAY MICHAUD
12:00 - 1:00 PM LUNCH
1:00 - 2:00 PM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM CONTINUES
2:00 - 2:30 PM CLOSING PLENARY AND CALL TO ACTION
SESSION FACILITATED BY KELLY TALLON-FRANKLIN, CONFERENCE MESSENGER
2:30 - 3:00 PM CLOSING PRAYER AND COMMENTS
ELDER’S DEN
We created a safe and welcoming space called the Elder's Den, located in the Lincoln A room on the first floor. This space is open to everyone who may need a break or a quiet moment. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with one of our volunteers, easily identifiable by their special vests, who are here to offer support and a listening ear. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them
The Blue Heart is increasingly recognized as the international symbol against human trafficking. It symbolizes the sadness of trafficking victims and serves as a reminder of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. Our Blue Heart is encircled by a double curl motif, representing the strength and support of Indigenous Matriarchs.