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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