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Human Trafficking of Indigenous Girls and Women in Canada
Elizabeth C. Ibarra Reina

Introduction

Discussion

Human trafficking remains one of the most urgent and complex
issues in Canada, with Indigenous girls and women being
disproportionately impacted. Although legislative frameworks and
initiatives such as the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking
2019–2024 (NSTCHT) exist, their effectiveness is limited by systemic
inequalities, colonial legacies, and growing digital exploitation
(Roudometkina and Wakeford, 2018).
My research aimed to critically analyze gaps in the current
strategy, focusing on policy shortcomings and the necessity of
culturally relevant, community-led solutions. Through this process, I
came to understand that addressing trafficking requires correcting
deeply embedded historical injustices (Bourgeois, 2015).

One of the key strengths of this research was its use of peerreviewed academic literature, government strategy documents, and
recent statistical data, which ensured that the findings were evidencebased and credible. The prioritization of Indigenous-authored and
community-informed sources helped center the voices of those most
affected. However, the inability to conduct primary research, such as
interviews with survivors or Indigenous advocates, was a limitation,
meaning that the study lacked direct, lived-experience narratives.
Data selection worked well in identifying scholarly and
governmental gaps in anti-trafficking efforts, particularly in relation to
digital recruitment. Sources from the last 15 years ensured the
relevance of technological and policy developments. What did not
work was the absence of Indigenous-specific trafficking data, which
posed challenges in accurately assessing the scope and impact of the
issue (Roudometkina & Wakeford, 2018). Next time, I would include
mixed-methods research, combining policy analysis with interviews
or participatory methods involving Indigenous organizations.

Background
The Indigenous population of Canada comprises only 5% of the
total population, yet Indigenous girls and women comprise more than
50% of those trafficked for sex (Bourgeois, 2015). This vulnerability is
a result of colonial policies such as the Indian Act and residential
schools that have led to trauma, displacement and economic
deprivation (Baird and Connolly, 2021).
In addition, poverty and social isolation make the victims easy prey
for traffickers who use fake Facebook and Instagram profiles to
deceive them (Louie, 2017). The exploitation is further reinforced by
gangs that use coercion and violence (Roudometkina and Wakeford,
2018).

Methods
This research includes qualitative policy analysis, focusing on
government strategy documents, peer-reviewed academic literature,
and statistical data from the last 15 years. Data was selected based on
authority, recency, and relevance, emphasizing studies that incorporate
Indigenous voices (Baird and Connolly, 2021); however, limitations
include the exclusion of non-Canadian and pre-2010 sources and the
lack of primary data collection due to time and resource constraints.

Results/Findings
Social media platforms facilitate recruitment with tactics like love
bombing and false promises (Louie, 2017). The foster care system fails
to provide culturally appropriate support, leaving youth vulnerable.
The NSTCHT lacks Indigenous leadership, does not mandate traumainformed law enforcement training, and overlooks digital monitoring.
Survivors also face trauma bonding, fear, and stigma, which hinder
help-seeking (Baird and Connolly, 2021).
Furthermore, the findings emphasize that systemic neglect,
economic marginalization, and historical trauma are not only drivers of
trafficking but also barriers to recovery. Indigenous-led community
programs, though successful, are chronically underfunded and lack
long-term governmental commitment. Without structural policy
changes that include Indigenous leadership in decision-making and
resource allocation, these gaps will persist. The urgency for integrating
digital safety, targeted support for youth leaving foster care, and
continuous collaboration with Indigenous communities is evident if
Canada is to make meaningful progress in combating trafficking
(Roudometkina and Wakeford, 2018).

Image 1: Data from 2014 National Task Force on Sex Trafficking of
Women and Girls in Canada,
https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/humantrafficking-needs-to-be-addressed-through-a-decolonial-lens/

Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies

Conclusions or Recommendations
The NSTCHT must urgently shift toward Indigenous-led,
survivor-centred strategies that directly address the systemic roots of
trafficking (Bourgeois, 2015). This includes providing sustained, longterm funding for Indigenous organizations to develop culturally
grounded prevention, mentorship, and recovery services (Baird and
Connolly, 2021). Strong digital regulations and mandatory AI-based
monitoring systems are essential to disrupt online recruitment and
grooming tactics that disproportionately target Indigenous youth
(Louie, 2017).
Foster care reform should prioritize trauma-informed mentorship
and transitional support to prevent traffickers from preying on
vulnerable Indigenous girls. Additionally, law enforcement and
frontline workers must undergo mandatory cultural competency and
anti-racism training to serve Indigenous survivors better
(Roudometkina and Wakeford, 2018). Finally, annual Indigenous-led
national summits on trafficking should be institutionalized to ensure
continuous policy assessment, collaboration, and accountability,
creating a responsive framework that evolves with community needs.

References
Baird, K., & Connolly, J. (2021). Recruitment and entrapment
pathways of minors into sex trafficking in Canada and the United
States: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(1),
https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838021102524
Bourgeois, R. (2015). Colonial exploitation: The Canadian state and
the trafficking of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
https://www.uclalawreview.org/wp
Louie, D. W. (2017). Social media and the sexual exploitation of
Indigenous girls. Girlhood Studies, 10(2).
https://doi.org/10.3167/ghs.2017.100208
Roudometkina, A., & Wakeford, K. (2018). Trafficking of Indigenous
women and girls in Canada submission to the standing committee
on justice and human rights. https://www.ourcommons.ca/.

Image 2: 26th Annual Vancouver Women´s Memorial March,
February 14, 2016, Union of B.C Indian Chiefs,
https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/magazine/entry/movin
g-more-than-oil/##

Justice Institute of British Columbia

March 2025