Kindersley will host a community learning and networking event on human trafficking aimed at rural Saskatchewan on Thursday, Aug. 27. The session, titled Human Trafficking: It’s Not What You Think, runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre.
Focus on prevention, response and local partnerships
Organizers say the event is designed to improve understanding of human trafficking, bolster connections between organisations and explore practical ways communities can support people who may be at risk. The session targets a broad cross-section of rural partners, including community organisations, service providers, educators, health-care professionals and law enforcement.
Speakers include representatives from services and projects already working on issues tied to trafficking, sexual exploitation and violence prevention. The confirmed presenters are:
- Stephen Moorgan with The Salvation Army, on response, advocacy and sector collaboration;
- Hennes Doltze with the EmpowerMen Project, addressing prevention and healthy masculinity;
- Will Jordan and Josh Haugerud with the Enough Already initiative and Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan, focusing on access to justice and preventing sexual harassment and violence.
Organizers say the goal is to strengthen the broader community response by creating space for people from different sectors to meet, ask questions and start practical co‑ordination that reflects rural realities.
Why a rural focus matters
Rural communities face particular challenges when it comes to identifying and supporting people at risk of exploitation. Limited services, longer travel distances to specialised help and fewer anonymity options can all affect how survivors and those at risk access support. The Kindersley session intends to surface those issues and highlight how local networks can respond.
Speakers from The Salvation Army, EmpowerMen and Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan bring different perspectives on prevention and response — from frontline support and advocacy to programming that addresses gender norms and community safety.
Organizers have encouraged representatives from schools, health-care facilities, policing, social services and community groups to attend so that conversations reflect the range of local touchpoints where risk and opportunity intersect.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Human Trafficking: It’s Not What You Think |
| Date | Thursday, Aug. 27 |
| Time | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Norman Ritchie Community Centre, Kindersley |
The event follows wider activity in the province around trafficking awareness and prevention. Local organisers framed the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to ensure rural communities can more effectively recognise exploitation and coordinate supports.
Participation is open to anyone with a professional or community role in prevention, support and safety. The session aims to combine short presentations with opportunities for networking, questions and the sharing of local resources and contact pathways.
For communities across the Prairies, building those networks is often the first step toward faster, more appropriate responses when concerns arise. Bringing together agencies and people who might otherwise work in parallel helps create clearer referral routes and shared expectations for local response.
Attendees should expect practical discussion on:
- recognition and reporting pathways in rural settings;
- roles different agencies can play in immediate response and long‑term support;
- prevention strategies that involve men and boys and community leaders.
Community members and organisations planning to attend are advised to contact event organisers for any registration details or accessibility needs prior to the session.
Human trafficking is a complex issue that crosses jurisdictions and service boundaries. Events such as the Kindersley forum aim to put local people and local solutions at the centre of prevention and response work in the province.
