Episode Four: Safety Begins With Our Homefires - With Josie Nepinak

In this episode of Stolen Voices, we are joined by Josie Nepinak, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation on the realities of human trafficking and violence impacting Indigenous communities. Drawing from over 30 years of advocacy—and her own lived experience of loss and intergenerational trauma—Josie speaks to the urgent need for action at every level, from community to national systems. She shares how human trafficking is not a distant issue, but one that exists in everyday spaces—from schools and shopping centres to online environments—and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, awareness, and community responsibility in recognizing and responding to risk.

Grounded in the idea that “safety begins with our home fires,” this episode explores how prevention starts within families, culture, and identity. Josie highlights the ongoing gaps in services, the lack of implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the need for Indigenous-led, culturally grounded solutions. From the impacts of resource extraction and systemic inequities to the importance of allyship, education, and protecting future generations, this conversation is both sobering and empowering. It calls on all of us to stay vigilant, speak out, and work collectively to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and communities.

Native Women’s Association of Canada: https://nwac.ca

Episode 3: Being Stubborn About Hope — with Jacqueline Peeace & Jaiden Kuchinka (Makwa Dodem)

In this episode of Stolen Voices: The Fight Against Human Trafficking in First Nation Communities, host Nicole Robertson speaks with sisters Jacqueline Peeace and Jaiden Kuchinka of Makwa Dodem, a grassroots training initiative delivering culturally grounded, trauma-informed education on human trafficking.

Together, they share how their work began, unpack the realities of exploitation affecting Indigenous youth, and challenge common misconceptions about trafficking in Canada. With a balance of honesty, humour, and compassion, they offer practical ways communities and families can increase awareness and safety.

Rooted in sisterhood and cultural strength, this conversation is both eye-opening and empowering — a reminder that even in difficult work, we can remain stubborn about hope.

Learn more about Makwa Dodem's programming here: https://ally.org/makwadodem