Human trafficking constitutes a significant challenge within Native American communities. Research conducted by Nikkel and Parker in 2022 revealed that a noteworthy 40% of Native American or First Nation women have been identified as survivors of sex trafficking. This finding underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions to address this specific issue within these communities.

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, coercion, or fraud to obtain labor or sexual services. There are various methods that traffickers use to traffic people, including manipulation, threats, or offering opportunities to earn money. Many Native American individuals are trafficked within the United States and abroad, including in Canada. The risk factors of trafficking victims in Native American communities include prior sexual victimization, poverty, and homelessness (U.S. Department of Justice, pg. 4, 2017). There are other risk factors, such as weakened family and friend structure, substance abuse, or educational disadvantages.

Human trafficking within Native American communities remains a significantly underreported concern. The lack of resources and initiatives aimed at addressing this issue has resulted in sustained challenges within these communities. This issue is particularly grave for Indigenous people, who face an elevated risk of being trafficked due to historical mistreatment and racism (U.S. Department of Justice, para. 2, 2024).

Native American communities play a vital role in addressing human trafficking issues. It is crucial for Native American communities to host workshops that educate and empower community members to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking. Additionally, creating targeted campaigns can effectively inform community communities about the dangers and warning signs of human trafficking. By coordinating these efforts, community leaders can enhance awareness and mobilize support to combat human trafficking within Native American communities.

Employing all available resources to combat human trafficking is imperative. It is essential to bolster tribal policies aimed at the prevention of human trafficking and the provision of support for its victims. The implementation of community-based initiatives can significantly contribute to the prevention of human trafficking. The provision of education and economic opportunities for tribal members can mitigate their susceptibility to trafficking. Furthermore, offering services to aid tribal members who have been trafficked or who exhibit vulnerabilities that may predispose them to victimization represents another pivotal approach to combating human trafficking.

To combat human trafficking, it is imperative to establish collaborative partnerships with law enforcement and tribal authorities to address instances of human trafficking within Native American communities proactively. This necessitates the development of comprehensive protocols for handling human trafficking cases and accurately identifying victims. Providing victim-specific services, including legal support and other vital resources aimed at aiding human trafficking survivors, is of paramount importance. Recognizing the gravity of human trafficking, tribal authorities within Native American communities, along with federal authorities, have underscored the urgency of implementing trafficking statutes within their communities. Furthermore, it is crucial to deliver culturally sensitive victim assistance and to train law enforcement and other pertinent professionals on identifying and responding to victims (U.S. Department of Justice, pg. 1, 2017).

References:

Blue Campaign. (n.d.). What is Human Trafficking?                                                 https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking

Nikkel, M., & Parker, L. (2022). Human Trafficking in Native American Communities. The Exodus Road.                                                                                                                                                   https://theexodusroad.com/human-trafficking-in-native-american-communities/

U.S. Department of Justice. (2024). Who is the most vulnerable to human trafficking?      https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/04-            2024/human_trafficking.html#:~:text=Indigenous%20people%2C%20including%20Ame           rican%            20Indians,mistreatment%20of%20these%20marginalized%20communities.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2017). Human Trafficking (Including Sex Trafficking) of American Indians and Alaska Natives.        https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/998081/dl#:~:text=Many%20have%20pointed%20          to%20the,that%20the%20problem%20is%20significant.

The impact of historical trauma on crime rates is a complex and persistent issue that affects multiple generations and different cultural groups. This type of trauma often stems from experiences of war, slavery, and colonization, leading to increased levels of trauma within these communities. This long-lasting effect can contribute to higher crime rates and social challenges within these groups. Historical trauma refers to the intergenerational transmission of trauma within families and communities due to past experiences of unjust treatment and adversity. This trauma can manifest in various social and economic challenges, affecting the well-being and opportunities of those impacted. Families and communities dealing with historical trauma may face ongoing discrimination, persistent violence, and disproportionately high rates of crime, leading to a cycle of disadvantage and hardship for generations.

Individuals who have undergone historical trauma, such as colonization, slavery, or war, may encounter challenges such as increased rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and persistent exposure to violence within their communities. This can often contribute to higher crime rates and a cycle of trauma within these populations. Furthermore, due to the systemic impact of historical trauma, cultural groups affected may face harsher penalties within the criminal justice system, leading to limited access to essential support services and rehabilitation programs, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and hindering their ability to heal and recover. Individuals of historical trauma may also experience discrimination within the criminal justice system.

Historical trauma can lead individuals to engage in risky behaviors, eventually leading to an arrest by law enforcement and entering the criminal justice system. This type of trauma can manifest in ways such as violent behavior and a deep-seated mistrust of institutions such as the criminal justice system, education system, or healthcare providers. It can also result in mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, which may lead to suicide or ongoing dangerous behaviors, ultimately contributing to increased crime rates.

It is essential to confront the issue of historical trauma by implementing tailored services to support individuals affected by it. Offering services that prioritize trauma and cultural sensitivity can contribute to a reduction in crime rates. Community-based interventions have the potential to facilitate positive outcomes for those impacted by historical trauma, primarily by fostering opportunities for healing. It is imperative for community-based initiatives to acknowledge the repercussions of historical trauma and ensure its proper management for crime reduction.

In conclusion, implementing policies targeting historical trauma is of the utmost importance. Investing in mental health services and educational programs is integral in fostering empowerment. Equally significant are economic opportunities, as they can ensure avenues for individuals impacted by historical trauma. Engagement with the community and the implementation of community-based interventions are crucial in promoting success and addressing the effects and underlying causes of historical trauma.

Reference:

SAMHSA’S Gains Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. (n.d.). How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice Responses.                                                                           https://healthandlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Historical-Trauma- SAMHSAs-Gains-Center.pdf

Restorative justice practices, which involve reconciling the parties involved, repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior, and addressing the needs of all stakeholders, have been implemented in tribal communities with notable success. These practices encompass a range of interventions, including mediation, healing circles, and community service, aimed at facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. The goal is to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions and provided with the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into their tribal community, fostering a sense of healing and wholeness for all involved. Restorative justice practices have been chosen as the preferred approach in tribal communities due to the emphasis on bringing tribal members together and promoting respectful interactions. This emphasis on community involvement is a key aspect of these practices, as it ensures that all members are part of the healing process, making them feel included and valued.

In the Navajo Nation, the tribal community has embraced the Peacemaking Process, an integral part of the Navajo justice system that focuses on restorative justice and community involvement in resolving conflicts. This process reflects the Navajo response to crime, emphasizing restoration rather than retribution. The Peacemaking Process, described by The Honorable Chief Justice Emeritus of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court, Robert Yazzie, is the traditional Navajo response to crime. The peacemaking process is a restorative justice approach that focuses on bringing together the offender and the victim to reach a resolution. The Navajo peacemaking process involves facilitating a meeting between the two parties where the offender can understand the impact of their actions and acknowledge any wrongdoing. This process aims to promote healing and understanding within the community, offering a chance for the offender to take responsibility for their behavior and work towards making amends. The peacemaking process is centered around the principle of respect and aims to facilitate positive change in offenders. This approach involves a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding a crime or a particular situation, with an emphasis on understanding the root causes. Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, the peacemaking process prioritizes promoting healing and restoration. Notably, this process has demonstrated effectiveness in cases involving child custody or child support, as attested by The Honorable Chief Justice Emeritus of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court, Robert Yazzie. According to Mirsky (2004), “Yazzie believes peacemaking can be used with any case, even the most heinous type of crime. “I look at the criminal justice system as a system that stands on its own,” he said. “And then I see peacemaking stand on its own. We tell people that both are created from different ingredients, that peacemaking should remain as pure as pure can be and to try not to bring any practice or procedures from the criminal justice system into peacemaking.” (Mirsky, 2004, para. 22).

Healing to Wellness courts represent an alternative approach tribal communities implement to address justice-related concerns. These specialized courts integrate traditional cultural practices and restorative justice principles to foster healing and well-being within the community. Healing to wellness courts serve as specialized judicial forums within Native communities, offering a holistic approach to addressing alcohol and drug usage. These courts aim to provide support for individuals struggling with substance abuse issues while also holding them accountable for their actions. By incorporating traditional healing methods, counseling, and community involvement, healing to wellness courts strive to promote rehabilitation and restore the well-being of those affected by addiction. Healing to wellness courts offer vital services, including comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment programs, immediate sanctions, incentives, team-based case management, and community support. These elements work together to ensure the success of the individuals involved. It has been crucial for tribal nations to establish processes that enable health and wellness courts to operate in a manner that respects and incorporates their unique culture, traditions, practices, and long-term vision for the community. It involves developing court frameworks and procedures that are guided by and reflective of the values and customs of the specific tribal nation, ensuring that the justice system is sensitive to the needs and perspectives of the community it serves.

Other restorative justice practices encompass a range of approaches, including the community holistic circle healing process. This unique approach originates in the Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. It involves a comprehensive response to the crime, emphasizing the participation of both the victim and the offender. Additionally, criminal justice personnel may be engaged in the process, and the wider community also holds the right to be involved. The community holistic circle healing process provides both the victim and the offender an opportunity to embark on a journey toward healing and restoration. It is designed to yield a beneficial outcome for all parties involved. This process delves into identifying the underlying causes of the committed crime, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the offense. Notably, the process can only proceed if the victim consents to it and the offender takes responsibility for their actions. Comprising thirteen steps, the holistic circle healing process encompasses many elements, including mediation, acceptance, protection, agreement, and healing. Each step is carefully tailored to guide the participants through a structured path to reconciliation, understanding, and healing.

In conclusion, the following practices have been used to preserve tribal customs and involve the community. They have helped build trust and remained grounded in cultural values and traditions. They take a holistic approach to comprehending the reasons behind crimes like substance abuse or trauma. While these practices have shown success, it’s important to note that they may be effective for specific tribal communities and not necessarily for others.

References:

Buller, E. (2005). Aboriginal Community Healing Processes in Canada. Aboriginal Corrections Policy Unit Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada.             https://iirp.edu/images/pdf/man05/man05_buller.pdf

Mirsky, L. (2004). Restorative Justice Practices of Native American, First Nation and Other Indigenous People of North America: Part One. International Institute for Restorative Practices.             https://www.iirp.edu/news/restorative-justice-practices-of-native-american-first-nation- and-other-indigenous-people-of-north-america-part-one

Tribal Law and Policy Institute. (n.d.). Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts. U.S. Department of Justice.                                                                                                                                                               https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/bja/188154.pdf