While human trafficking is a global issue of exploitation, it happens closer to home than many Canadians may realize.

Brock University’s Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre are drawing attention to the prevalence of this issue by hosting an online human trafficking awareness panel discussion and Q&A session on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Moderated by Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois, five panelists will share personal experiences and professional expertise during the discussion.

“The recent high-profile arrest of thirteen men on human trafficking charges in Niagara Falls in February is a reminder that, as a border community, Niagara is an epicentre for trafficking and we must increase awareness to keep people safe,” says Bourgeois.

Participants will gain an understanding of this crucial issue including how to detect the signs, how to report it, how to support survivors and how Indigenous women are disproportionately affected.

Despite making up just five per cent of the overall population, 51 per cent of women and 50 per cent of girls trafficked in Canada are Indigenous according to data from the 2014 National Task Force on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada.

The free two-hour event is open to members of the Brock and Niagara communities. Members of the Niagara community are invited to register through Eventbrite while Brock students, faculty and staff can register through ExperienceBU.