Saturday, January 17, 2026

'Bust the Myths' Human Trafficking Presentation at Brown Sugar Coffee

We had a small but good, solid audience at UprisingWyo's human trafficking presentation on Thursday evening. Biggest thanks to Amanda Henry of Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery for hosting this event, and event organizer Ceatriss Wall, Principal of Pathfinder High School in Lander.

Charlie Falkis - himself a survivor of human trafficking - delivered an excellent presentation on the definition(s) of human trafficking specific to Wyoming, and dove into the stats and awareness factors relating to grooming, online/digital solicitations, sextortion, labor trafficking, and more. He even went as far as to show trafficking routes specific to Wyoming and Colorado, and how these circuits are all connected nationally and globally.

Several in last night's audience expressed a desire to not only continue the conversations, but also take more steps in the advancement of education and training for both community members and law enforcement. If you would like to be a part of the growing interest, or if you would like information on how you can be involved, visit UprisingWyo.org.


I think one of the significant takeaways from this event (at least for me) was the "myth buster" that trafficking happens anywhere else but here in our little sheltered Wyoming towns and communities. As I've said before on the subject of domestic violence...just because we might not see it or hear about it daily as we go about our schedules and our lives, doesn't mean it isn't happening. The fact is, it is happening right now!

Awareness is a factor when we trust our children and youth to family members, caretakers, and schools. (Charlie is a survivor of familial trafficking...by his own parents!) It is a factor when it comes to screen time on laptops, tablets, and the devices we hold in our hands. It is even a factor when our very homes are not safe, and you can't run away. And it is a huge factor when it comes to the reasons why people go missing.

For those who were unable to attend the presentation, I've posted a few of the handouts that were distributed at the event at the end of this blog.

Upcoming Events:

I will be attending the Human Trafficking Awareness Week taking place on January 27-29 at UW in Laramie. See below for the classes offered, or visit their Facebook page for updates and information.


I will also be attending Uprising's GRIT Conference held April 20-22 in Billings, MT. The theme is "Advancing Victim Engagement and Trauma Response". I very much look forward to learning, getting equipped, and taking away some valuable information for our first responders!

Carol Harper
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIP Wind River
MMIPWindRiver.org

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Tuesday, January 13, 2026

MMIP Wind River Update ~ January 2026

A new year and new beginnings! Some things might require a reset button to be pushed; others may simply need some ongoing maintenance. However you do it, make sure to take time to breathe, be mindful, be faith-filled and hopeful, and most of all, protect your peace!

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and MMIP Wind River has been sharing so many awesome, informative Facebook posts on what trafficking is, how to be aware of the signs, and what you can do. I don't have to say a whole lot because there are already many informative sites and resources available. Here are just a few links to get started:

The Blue Campaign

National Indian Gaming Commission

National Human Trafficking Hotline

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

UprisingWyo

Project Rescue

I encourage you all to attend an Uprising event at Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery this coming Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 PM. Survivor Leader Charlie Falkis will be there to talk about what human trafficking looks like in Wyoming and what we can do to help!


In Our Communities: The Truth

When we look at the root problems of MMIP, we can see any number of factors that lead up to disappearance. It's not an easy subject to talk about, but the best thing we can do as friends and family members is to recognize the signs and be honest with each other about them. How many times do we say with regret: "If we had only known the truth"...?

But we do know the truth. We know the reasons why children and teens might run away...or be lured away. The questions are: What can we actually do about it, and...are we part of the solution or the problem?

We can definitely get educated about it. I've noticed several common themes running through all of these programs and organizations, and that is:

*REPORT IT! Know and recognize the signs. Be cognizant. See or know something? Say something! It might be nothing, but it could be something. Better to report it. You never know, the one thing you report might break a case wide open.

*PROTECT your loved ones and do not protect the offenders! It stops with you. It stops with more of us standing up and forming an unbreakable bond of love and strength. It brings many shining lights together that can far outshine the darkness of trafficking. All victims need a fighting chance, so we need to give it to them. Don't ever give up!

*KNOW the resources in your tribes and communities. Get educated on the signs (see below). Attend events and workshops on trafficking awareness. One of the lies that perpetrators tell their victims is that law enforcement (PD, Sheriff, FBI, BIA, etc.) is the enemy. They are not. First responders are the ones who know and see the traumas; day after day, night after night. The truth can be too difficult to unravel on your own, so why not get or lend all the help and support that you can? Any information you can give to or follow up with local law enforcement agencies can only help the cases, and working positively with them can eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks that can hinder progress, especially when time is of the essence.

Hope to see you Thursday night!

Carol Harper
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIP Wind River





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