Event Organizer Describes Human Trafficking as a Deliberate Crime

THUNDER BAY – Human Trafficking: A Complex and Calculated Crime

Human trafficking is a far more intricate issue than many assume. It is often imagined as a dramatic abduction—where a victim, usually a female, is forcibly taken from the streets and held captive. While such cases do occur, Cindy Paypompee, co-chair of the Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, emphasizes that this is just one of many ways traffickers ensnare their victims.

To raise awareness and educate the public, the Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking hosted an informational event at Intercity Shopping Centre.

Understanding the Reality of Human Trafficking

“It’s not an abduction. Some people might think it’s an abduction, but it’s not. It’s calculated,” said Paypompee.

She further clarified a common misconception—confusing smuggling with trafficking.

“With smuggling, a person pays someone to help them reach a destination, and once they arrive, they are free to leave. In contrast, human trafficking involves individuals being transported across borders and then coerced into staying, often under the guise of repaying a debt. Many victims are unable to escape, forced to work to settle these imposed debts,” she explained.

Paypompee highlighted that traffickers frequently prey on vulnerable populations, such as homeless individuals and First Nations youth who move to Thunder Bay for school. Psychological and emotional manipulation are key tools traffickers use to exert control over their victims, often coercing them into sexual exploitation.

Social Media: A Tool for Traffickers

Traffickers commonly exploit social media to identify, befriend, and groom potential victims, particularly those who are new to the city and unfamiliar with its dangers.

“I’ve spoken with people from northern communities who send their children to Thunder Bay for school. These students, sometimes as young as 13 or 14, may not recognize the risks of social media. Apps like Snapchat can expose their locations and movements, making them easy targets for traffickers,” said Paypompee.

She warned that traffickers slowly build trust with their victims before manipulating them into harmful situations.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), which serves 34 remote Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, was present at the awareness event to educate attendees about their role in combating human trafficking.

Detective Sergeant Carly Drewes from NAPS emphasized the lack of education on human trafficking, particularly in remote regions.

“Human trafficking in the North often looks different than in urban areas. It can begin with unhealthy relationships and a lack of understanding of consent,” she said.

Drewes explained how victims may unknowingly enter exploitative situations.

“A person may travel to Thunder Bay for school, a medical appointment, or shopping. They might have been communicating with someone online who seemed friendly, only to realize upon arrival that they’ve been groomed and are now being trafficked,” she said.

She further noted that traffickers often disguise themselves as romantic partners.

“You think you’re in a relationship, but you don’t recognize the warning signs—such as your partner sharing you with their friends or forcing you to pay off their debts. This is how many victims are drawn into trafficking,” said Drewes.

When NAPS receives a call from a trafficking survivor, they act swiftly to connect them with essential support services.

“We advocate for survivors and help them navigate processes they might not have known existed—whether within the criminal justice system or their personal healing journey,” Drewes explained.

Support Services for Survivors

Beendigen Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home and Family Healing Agency offers culturally sensitive support, including counseling and safe housing for those at risk.

“If someone doesn’t feel safe in Thunder Bay, we work with sister shelters in the region to secure a safe space for them,” said Paypompee.

For those seeking help, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and the Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking offer resources and support for victims and concerned individuals.

Raising awareness and understanding the complexities of human trafficking is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations and preventing exploitation in our communities.