Episode Eight: The Crisis of Human Trafficking and MMIWG2S with Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

In this episode of Stolen Voices, host Nicole Robertson sits down with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak for an important conversation about the growing crisis of human trafficking and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People (MMIWG2S) in First Nations communities across Canada.

Drawing on her leadership at the national level, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak discusses the urgent need to fully implement the 231 Calls for Justice, the ongoing links between colonialism, child welfare, poverty, housing insecurity, and human trafficking. She speaks on why Indigenous-led solutions must be at the centre of prevention, healing, and community safety. She also shares her perspective on the risks associated with major resource development projects, the importance of long-term investments in First Nations communities, strengthening First Nations policing, and ensuring survivors and families are meaningfully included in decision-making.

Throughout the conversation, Nicole and National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak explore what real reconciliation looks like, why governments must move beyond promises to action, and how stronger Indigenous leadership, culture, and self-determination are essential to protecting future generations.

This episode is a powerful discussion about leadership, accountability, and hope—and a reminder that ending human trafficking and the MMIWG2S crisis requires sustained action, community-driven solutions, and a commitment to ensuring every First Nations voice is heard.

Stolen Voices Episode Seven - Human Trafficking News & Headlines

In this special news and headlines edition of Stolen Voices, host Nicole is joined by producer Greg to examine several recent stories shaping the conversation around human trafficking in First Nations communities.

Together, they discuss the conviction of Nathan Chasinghorse and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States, the proactive efforts of the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service through Operation Buffalo, emerging concerns around cross-jurisdictional trafficking networks, and findings from recent national reports on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples.

Through a First Nations lens, Nicole and Greg explore the broader issues connected to human trafficking, including community safety, systemic vulnerabilities, economic development, transportation corridors, man camps, prevention, and the urgent need for Indigenous-led solutions. This episode offers listeners an opportunity to better understand how human trafficking continues to affect Indigenous communities today and why awareness, education, and collective action remain critical in the fight against exploitation.

Episode Six: A Two-Spirit Journey to Freedom, Knowledge, and Change with Kurt Blind

Episode Six of Stolen Voices features a powerful and personal conversation with Kurt Blind. Drawing from lived experience, Kurt speaks openly about surviving residential school, addiction, and his journey toward healing through culture, ceremony, community, and connection to the land. Through their work at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre as a First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Cultural Liaison, Kurt shares firsthand insight into the vulnerabilities that place Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples at greater risk of exploitation and human trafficking, particularly within urban centers and unhoused communities.

This episode explores the intersection of colonial systems, poverty, racism, displacement, addiction, and identity, while also shining light on the importance of culturally safe spaces, Indigenous-led healing, land-based teachings, language revitalization, and community connection. Kurt speaks candidly about the ongoing impacts of systemic discrimination, the lack of safe supports for Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous peoples, and the urgent need for prevention rooted in empathy, education, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

At the heart of this conversation is hope. Kurt shares powerful reflections on ancestral memory, resilience, and the responsibility we all carry to create safer communities for future generations. Through humour, honesty, compassion, and wisdom, this episode reminds listeners that healing is possible; that our spirits remember who we are, and that Indigenous voices, teachings, and lived experiences are essential in the fight against human trafficking and violence.

This is a grounding, emotional, and inspiring conversation about survival, accountability, identity, and reclaiming Indigenous strength in a world that too often tries to erase it.