AMC Stands with Victims of Child Exploitation in Portage la Prairie

July 9, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) stands in solidarity with the victims impacted by the recent arrests conducted by the Manitoba RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in Portage la Prairie. During this difficult period, the AMC extends heartfelt sympathy and unwavering support to the victims, their families, and the community at large, providing assistance to those affected through the AMC’s First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO).

The RCMP announced this morning the arrests of seven individuals facing a total of 65 charges related to an alleged human trafficking and child exploitation ring that operated from June 2023 to May 2024. Among the identified victims are two 15-year-old girls, with another youth between the ages of 13 and 14 yet to be found. The investigation, which began in February 2024, remains ongoing, with the potential for additional victims to be discovered.

The well-being of children and youth is of utmost importance, and the AMC stands united in support of those affected, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support during this difficult period.

The AMC urges any victims seeking support to contact the FNFAO, which offers culturally safe support and advocacy. The FNFAO can be reached by phone at 204-957-8450 or by email at fnfao@manitobachiefs.com.

If you need support or someone to talk to regarding this manner, please call the national, independent toll-free, 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in multiple languages, including English, Anishnaabemowin, Cree, Inuktitut, and French.

You can also access MKO’s Crisis Response Team at: crisisresponse@mkonorth.com or by phone 1-844-927-LIFE (5433).

Southern Chiefs Mobile Crisis Response Team can connected by: Toll Free #: 1-877-SCO-2880 (1-877-726-2880), email: CrisisResponse@scoinc.mb.ca The MCRT is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Hope For Wellness:

Toll Free Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310

For anyone in need of resources, Klinic Community Health has a 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631 or toll free at 1-888-292-7565. Klinic can also help with anyone wishing to make a third-party report of sexual assault, which means that survivors can report the sexual assault to a recognized third party, such as Klinic, and that crime is then reported by Klinic to the police without the survivor’s identifying information.

Reporting can also take place through Cybertip.ca

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.

Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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