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Edmonton Journal

How Edmonton's airport can help battle human trafficking

Maddison Fraser was a national boxing champion, a young mother, and an aspiring nurse. But behind her bright future was a hidden nightmare — manipulated and trafficked by someone she believed cared for her. Article content Moved from city to city, abused, and sold, her life ended tragically at the age of just 21 years old in a car crash on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton in 2015. The man driving was a commercial sex offender. Her phone contained messages that confirmed she had been trafficked. Article content Article content Her story, like so many others, fuelled a growing movement to disrupt human trafficking. Article content Article content On Wednesday, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) officially opened the Safe Room Kîsê Watotâtôwin ᑮᓭ ᐘᑐᑖᑑᐏᐣ at YEG, a private and secure space for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, or individuals facing crisis. Article content 'Strengthening and advancing our human trafficking program is crucial to staying ahead of evolving threats, improving survivor support and enhancing prevention efforts,' said Carmen Donnelly, YEG's vice-president of passenger experience and terminal operations. Article content 'Airports are uniquely positioned to disrupt human trafficking at the source of travel. We have the power to say, 'Not in my city' and, 'Not in my airport,' and to take action that will disrupt human trafficking.' Article content Article content Creating a safe haven at the airport Article content Tucked away in an undisclosed area of the terminal, the safe room offers a warm, livable environment equipped with amenities like a bed, couches, kitchenette, bathroom, clothing, food, internet and communication tools. Article content Article content The room was named Kîsê Watotâtôwin ᑮᓭ ᐘᑐᑖᑑᐏᐣ, meaning 'sharing and giving our kindness and compassion to each other,' followed by an Indigenous naming ceremony blessing by Jerry Saddleback, Elder-in-Residence at Maskwacîs Cultural College. Article content Since Indigenous people are disproportionately targeted by human traffickers, naming the room in a culturally significant way serves a deeper purpose, Donnelly said. Article content 'Naming the space with an Indigenous name and through ceremony is impactful. It connects the space to the culture, spirituality, healing and the sense of safety. And I think, when you see the space, you'll feel the same,' she said.