Episode Four: Safety Begins With Our Homefires - With Josie Nepinak

In this episode of Stolen Voices, we are joined by Josie Nepinak, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation on the realities of human trafficking and violence impacting Indigenous communities. Drawing from over 30 years of advocacy—and her own lived experience of loss and intergenerational trauma—Josie speaks to the urgent need for action at every level, from community to national systems. She shares how human trafficking is not a distant issue, but one that exists in everyday spaces—from schools and shopping centres to online environments—and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, awareness, and community responsibility in recognizing and responding to risk.

Grounded in the idea that “safety begins with our home fires,” this episode explores how prevention starts within families, culture, and identity. Josie highlights the ongoing gaps in services, the lack of implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the need for Indigenous-led, culturally grounded solutions. From the impacts of resource extraction and systemic inequities to the importance of allyship, education, and protecting future generations, this conversation is both sobering and empowering. It calls on all of us to stay vigilant, speak out, and work collectively to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and communities.

Native Women’s Association of Canada: https://nwac.ca

Episode 3: Being Stubborn About Hope — with Jacqueline Peeace & Jaiden Kuchinka (Makwa Dodem)

In this episode of Stolen Voices: The Fight Against Human Trafficking in First Nation Communities, host Nicole Robertson speaks with sisters Jacqueline Peeace and Jaiden Kuchinka of Makwa Dodem, a grassroots training initiative delivering culturally grounded, trauma-informed education on human trafficking.

Together, they share how their work began, unpack the realities of exploitation affecting Indigenous youth, and challenge common misconceptions about trafficking in Canada. With a balance of honesty, humour, and compassion, they offer practical ways communities and families can increase awareness and safety.

Rooted in sisterhood and cultural strength, this conversation is both eye-opening and empowering — a reminder that even in difficult work, we can remain stubborn about hope.

Learn more about Makwa Dodem's programming here: https://ally.org/makwadodem

In Episode 2 of Stolen Voices, our host Nicole Robertson is joined by Stephanie Harpe for a powerful conversation centred on survival, resilience, and the importance of knowledge sharing.

Stephanie Harpe is a survivor, advocate, and dedicated voice in the fight against human trafficking and violence impacting Indigenous communities. Drawing from her lived experience, she has become a strong leader in raising awareness, supporting others on their healing journeys, and working alongside organizations to create safer, more informed communities.

In this episode, Stephanie speaks candidly about her experiences, the realities of exploitation, and the critical role that education and community connection play in prevention and healing. This conversation highlights the strength found in storytelling and the responsibility we all share in listening, learning, and taking action.

Stolen Voices is a podcast from G4 Justice that centres the voices, experiences, and solutions surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and human trafficking.

For inquiries or to connect with the show, email StolenVoicesThePodcast@gmail.com

New episodes are released twice a month on Wednesdays.

In this first episode, our host Nicole Robertson discusses the intention behind Stolen Voices, a podcast created to confront the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and human trafficking impacting First Nations communities. Joined by producer Greg, the conversation opens with an honest and personal look at why this work matters—both professionally and deeply personally—and the responsibility they feel in amplifying voices that have too often been silenced or overlooked.

Nicole shares her perspective on the importance of storytelling as a tool for awareness, healing, and change, grounding the podcast in a commitment to truth, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Together, Nicole and Greg reflect on the gaps they’ve witnessed in public understanding, the systemic issues that continue to put Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people at risk, and the urgent need for conversations that are led by community, informed by lived experience, and rooted in accountability.

This episode also sets the tone for the season ahead, outlining what listeners can expect—from survivor-informed discussions and expert insights to community voices and real stories that highlight both the challenges and the resilience within Indigenous communities. Nicole and Greg emphasize that Stolen Voices is not just about raising awareness, but about fostering meaningful dialogue, supporting prevention, and contributing to real change.

Raw, reflective, and purposeful, this first episode invites listeners to step in with open minds and hearts, and to walk alongside those whose voices deserve to be heard.