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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A local women's group is hoping to raise awareness around human trafficking and prostitution thanks to a visit from an expert in the field.

Theresa Hickey, president of the Women's Catholic League, said she and her organization are hoping to help educate the public on human trafficking after hearing from experts on the subject. - Cara Loverock/NNSL photo

Last month, RCMP officer Charlene Rivet, an expert in human trafficking based in Ottawa, was in Yellowknife to educate groups about the topic.

Theresa Hickey, president of the Catholic Women's League of the NWT, said Rivet was invited to the leagues' 45th convention which was held in Yellowknife at the end of March.

"She told us some interesting things, like how to educate (about human trafficking) and things like that," said Hickey.

Hickey said since the presentation, which also included another expert, Dave Bouchard with the Government of Alberta, the Women's Catholic League is concerned with the issue of human trafficking and wants to see the issue brought to light.

"We're opposed to forms of violence and exploitation. The only way to stop it is to educate the community," said Hickey, adding the league is now "trying to take a stand on it."

She said she'd like to have more education in schools, and has information packages if school boards are interested.

Sgt. Wayne Norris said Rivet spoke to the RCMP and to a number of other organizations.

"There can be a wide variety of types of human trafficking, from people who are in the country illegally to people who are brought here with the promise of work and stuff like that ... and when they get here they find it's a very different story."

He said the problem of human trafficking is Canada-wide, although it has not been a major problem the NWT.

"We work very closely with Immigration Canada," said Norris.