For Immediate Release
05/12/22
THEIR TARGETS ARE OUR CHILDREN
Baraga, MI — Human Trafficking (exploitation for profit) happens online, at our schools, at local sporting events, bars, hotels, casinos, even in homes in your neighborhood. But yet, no one seems to be aware or know what to do about it. Vulnerable populations at high risk to be trafficked include youth online, persons that struggle with mental health, drug and substance addictions and disproportionally, Native American missing and runaway youth. In honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Month, the KBIC (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community) in partnership with the UPHTTF (Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force) says it is time we speak up, louder than silence.
An open invite is extended to the public to watch a riveting new film about human trafficking titled, Ring of Silence. The FREE event will take place at the Niiwin Akeea Gymnasium on the campus of Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa College, 111 Bear Trail Rd in Baraga, MI Thursday May 19th, 2022. A food reception kicks-off at 5:00 pm with movie showtime at 6:00pm.
The Ring of Silence is based on real events that happened to teens in a Michigan high school. Co-Sponsor of the event Carole LaPointe from KBIC Niimigimiwang Transitional Home affirms that “in light of the multiple teen suicidal tragedies, this is a message that the Baraga Community needs to hear.” Additionally, “we want to spread awareness of intimate partner violence and assist the community with prevention efforts in these areas and increase awareness, so our community KNOWS there are places to reach out before tragedy occurs.”
This film is rated for PG-13 audiences so they can understand that the perpetrators look like attractive young men and women in their school, like the kid on Instagram or Snapchat, or even like the guy next door. A panel of local experts including the FBI, MSP, Baraga County Sheriff, KBIC Tribal Police, Tribal Prosecutor, Tribal Attorney MMIW Coordinator, DOJ Tribal Victim Specialist, Baraga and L’Anse school principals and counselors will be available for a community talk and Q&A immediately after the film.
To stay informed on human trafficking and what you can do to help here in the U.P., like the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force Facebook page. If you are in need of help or have a tip, please call or text our 24-hour confidential helpline at (906) 299-9243 or email at unite@upht123.org