Makwa Dodem is an Indigenous-led program of Ally Global Foundation that works to equip Indigenous communities in Canada to prevent sexual exploitation through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted by human trafficking, representing over 50% of the reported cases in Canada. When it comes to the prevention of trafficking and exploitation, there is a lack of resources available that are grounded in Indigenous culture. To address this, the Makwa Dodem team works through various stages to build relationships with communities, collaborate to gather community insights, train members of the community in the Makwa Dodem prevention curriculum, and support the implementation of these curricula in a community-led manner. This approach focuses on upstream prevention by promoting consent, healthy relationships, cultural connection, and overall well-being. This presentation will unpack the lessons learned from piloting these approaches, specifically with two communities on Treaty 4 in Saskatchewan. Key insights will be shared from the program’s application of Dr. Dustin Louie’s academic research on sexual exploitation prevention education for Indigenous women and girls and the experiences gained from international collaboration. This presentation will not only reflect on the program’s methodological insights but also celebrate its impacts, demonstrated through community testimonials and improved prevention outcomes. The session aims to inspire attendees to consider how these insights can be applied to enhance their own community engagement projects. The focus will be on facilitating a deep and meaningful exchange of knowledge that respects and honors the diverse experiences and wisdom of each attendee.
Jaiden Kuchinka, the Makwa Dodem Outreach Coordinator at Ally, partners with Indigenous communities in Canada to develop community-led sexual exploitation prevention programs. Currently pursuing a Master's in Community Health, Jaiden aims to further her expertise in creating upstream, sustainable solutions to combat sexual exploitation.
Jacqueline Peeace is the Makwa Dodem Program Coordinator at Ally Global Foundation, a Canadian anti-human trafficking charity. Jacqueline has a degree in Business, with 7-years of experience in the anti-human trafficking space. As an Indigenous woman with mixed heritage, she understands the complexities of sexual exploitation, advocating for holistic approaches.