Human Trafficking Messaging developed in Anishinaabemowin
FROM: South Detachment DATE: January 11, 2023
Human Trafficking Messaging developed in Anishinaabemowin
(FORT FRANCES) The Treaty Three Police Service Spirit of Hope program along with Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services Human Trafficking program unveiled community posters that features anti-human trafficking messages in Anishinaabemowin – including a new word made in the language which translates to Human Trafficking. This initiative was completed throughout the year under the guidance of a Treaty #3 Elders Group. Kelly BigGeorge, an artist from Treaty #3 created the artwork.
“As a group, we developed the vision for the art piece by listening to the Elders speak of past traumas relating to violence and human trafficking. There were teachings shared specific to women and young girls. I am truly honoured that from this group a word was created in the language which translates to human trafficking as there was not one prior to this” says Jody Smith, Spirit of Hope coordinator.
“We look forward to seeing these posters in the communities. Seeing the messages in the language will have a profound impact and our hope is that the messages and posters spread awareness and supports healing. We wish to thank the Elders for providing us with their time and guidance, and Kelly for creating such beautiful images” adds Jocelyn Johnson of Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services.
The posters which will include the messages in Anishinaabemowin were unveiled at a traditional feast in Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing on January 10, 2023.
The Treaty Three Police Service is a self-administered Policing entity under the First Nations Policing Program in Canada and is responsible for full policing duties spanning 55,000 square miles of the Greater Treaty Three Region in Northwestern Ontario. This includes approximately 20,000 residents in 23 First Nation Communities.
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