Can You See Us?

Winnipeg's campaign led by Giganawenimaanaanig, in partnership with Wasakamon Wellness Connections, lived-experienced people, the City of Winnipeg, EmPowermen and the Province of Manitoba.

What The "Can You See Us?" Campaign Is

This campaign is a community-driven initiative that puts Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) voices at the heart of awareness and action during Winnipeg's major events.

During large-scale sporting and entertainment events, Winnipeg becomes a hub not only of celebration, but also of increased risk for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. This campaign shines a light on those hidden harms, honours the strength of survivors, and calls on every person to take responsibility for safety, respect and healing.

Led by Giganawenimaanaanig and Wasakamon Wellness Connections in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, EmPowermen and the Province of Manitoba, this campaign uses powerful artwork, community-driven messages and practical tools to shift culture, interrupt exploitation, and transform awareness into action.

Visuals & Resources

Please download and share our campaign posters, graphics, and digital artworks. These materials can be used by community groups, networks, transit systems, sports venues and event organizers across Winnipeg.

Note: Artwork and messaging co-designed by survivors and envisioned by Sarah DeLaronde. Please maintain integrity of design when printing/sharing.

Recognize the Signs

Early awareness can save lives. If you see something that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and act safely.

Unexplained gifts or money given to a young person
Isolation from family or friends, being kept away from usual supports
Scripted or rehearsed speech or messages from someone else
Sudden appearance of older or controlling partner/friend
Frequent short trips, living out of bags, being driven to venues/events
Use of gaming or social platforms for "grooming" or sextortion

If you suspect someone is being trafficked: Do not attempt to confront. Instead, use the safe-reporting tools below.

Report or Get Help Now

The Hard Truth
We know that Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people are vastly over-represented in trafficking and exploitation incidents. While national data do not always disaggregate Indigenous identity, local and provincial research underscores this critical over-representation.

93%

of victims are women and girls

Vast majority of police-reported trafficking victims in Canada.

24%

of victims are under 18

Children and youth continue to be heavily targeted.

91%

of victims knew their trafficker

Exploitation is rarely by a "stranger in a van."

1.4

incidents per 100,000 population

National rate of police-reported human trafficking. Still likely under-reported.

1500+

trafficking cases in 2019 - 2022

From national referral data, with many marginalized communities underrepresented.

Events & Exploitation: The Connection

When Winnipeg hosts major events such as professional sports, large concerts, festival weekends, conferences, we celebrate together. But these events also attract opportunistic exploitation.

Key Factors:

Increased Demand: Large influxes of visitors create a temporary market for commercial sex and potential exploitation.
Anonymity & Crowd Cover: Thousands of people, transient stays and unfamiliar faces make detection harder.
Economic Pressure & Vulnerability: Some individuals may be financially pressured or coerced into exploitative situations to meet increased demands or costs.
Online Marketplace Surge: Exploiters often intensify recruitment efforts via online platforms (escort/ad websites) ang gaming/social media; local service, transit, and event staff should be aware of sudden spikes in recruitment posts around game weekends.

Serious exploitation happens not only in hidden rooms, but in plain sight. As part of this campaign, transit shelters, stadium concourses, team venues, ride-share services and event-operators are being asked to partner and display campaign messaging, posters and reporting-tools.

Need Help? Contact Resources

If you or someone you know might be a victim of exploitation, or you’re unsure, please reach out. You are not alone.

Contact List:

Manitoba Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-844-333-2211
StreetReach Winnipeg: 204-945-6941
Klinic Crisis Line: 204-786-8686

To inquire about training, submit a request to our form and visit:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
National Inquiry's Final Report & Related Documents
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
National Action Plan
- MMIWG2S National Action Plan & Federal Pathway
Calls for Justice

For Organizations, Sports Venues & Event-Partners

This campaign calls on institutions and organizations in Winnipeg to adopt clearer standards of awareness, prevention and response. Here are some recommended actions.

Require event-staff, transit operators and venue-partners to complete trafficking & exploitation awareness training (annual update recommended).
Adopt a Code of Conduct that includes zero-tolerance for exploitation, clear boundaries for vendors/contractors, and immediate reporting protocols.
Post clear signage at event-venues: "See the Signs. Report. Protect Lives" with hotline info and the campaign logo.
Integrate safe transport options, designated rideshare zones, and "buddy system" messaging for large event attendees.
Use the campaign posters and artwork across high-visibility touch-points (stadium lobbies, transit shelters, downtown digital boards) with QR codes linking to resources.
Partner with Indigenous-led organizations for event staff briefings and survivor-led workshops to ensure cultural sensitivity and lived-experience-led training.

The "Can You See Us?" campaign is led by survivors of trafficking and exploitation, Giganawenimaanaanig in partnerships with Wasakamon Wellness Connections, City of Winnipeg, EmPowermen and the Province of Manitoba