An Indigenous-led program working to equip and empower Indigenous communities to prevent sexual exploitation.
Though they make up just 4% of the Canadian female population, Indigenous females make up 50% of reported cases of trafficking.
Indigenous individuals are disproportionately affected.
When it comes to the prevention of trafficking and exploitation, there is a lack of resources available that are grounded in Indigenous culture and community. Ally launched Makwa Dodem in 2023 to fill this gap.
Makwa Dodem is dedicated to equipping and empowering Indigenous communities to prevent sexual exploitation through culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
Since our inception, we have partnered with two First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, successfully piloting our program in 2023–2024. We are now expanding our impact to communities in Alberta.
Relationship
We believe that meaningful relationships are the foundation for lasting change. Each partnership begins with building trust and fostering deep, respectful connections within the community.
We believe that lasting change comes from within the community.
Our Partnership Process
Phase 1
Listening
We listen and learn from community members, ensuring that our programming reflects and amplifies their cultural wisdom and aspirations. We engage with youth, parents and service providers to ensure we align our efforts with the community's vision.
Phase 2
Training
We provide comprehensive training on sexual exploitation prevention, empowering communities to create initiatives that reflect their unique strengths and needs.
Phase 3
Implementation
Together, we bring these co-created prevention initiatives to life, ensuring they resonate with the community’s cultural context and are driven by its unique strengths.
Phase 4
Long-Term Support
Our commitment doesn’t end with implementation. We provide ongoing support to ensure these initiatives continue to thrive, making a lasting impact for generations to come.
Phase 5
Our approach is collaborative, community-led and honours the unique strengths, culture and wisdom of each community we partner with. Our process is built on mutual respect and shared leadership, and it unfolds in five key phases:
“Being part of the Makwa Dodem Planning team has been an invaluable experience. We've formed strong connections, fostering understanding and collaboration that move us toward a shared vision of community safety. The team has created a supportive environment built on trust, safety, and belonging, which has been essential in navigating sensitive yet critical topics.”
— Taylor, Yellow Quill Community Planning Team Member
Traditionally, the Bear Clan is entrusted with the protection, safety and healing of the people. Makwa Dodem's connection to the Bear Clan is more than just a name—it serves as a foundation for our work.
Proudly belonging to the Bear Clan themselves, Makwa Dodem’s founders were driven by a deep desire to honor their heritage. By anchoring the work of Makwa Dodem in culture and indigeneity, we ensure that every step we take resonates with the wisdom and resilience of our ancestors.
“Makwa Dodem” means “Bear Clan” in Ojibwe.
Created by artist Simone McLeod, the Makwa Dodem artwork represents intergenerational healing and community unity.
This artwork embodies the comprehensive approach of the program, deeply rooted in Indigenous cultural teachings.
Encircling the artwork is a medicine wheel, symbolizing the holistic approach of Makwa Dodem's programming. The medicine wheel serves as a reminder that healing encompasses every aspect of one's being - spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. It is a representation of the collective wisdom that guides the journey toward well-being.
Within the circle, five figures symbolize essential roles in the Indigenous community. The Elder, dressed in green, embodies timeless wisdom, offering guidance and nurturing the collective spirit. The Auntie, in purple, represents nurturing strength and unconditional love across generations. Depicted in blue and pink, the young boy and girl symbolize the potential of the future, holding hope and change. A baby dressed in orange serves as a tribute to the resilience of those who suffered the legacy of residential schools.
A blue bear claw fills the space above, and serves as the inspiration behind Makwa Dodem’s logo. This claw, representing makwa dodem ('bear clan') is an emblem of protection, healing, unity, and communal support.
This artwork captures the interconnectedness of generations, the healing power of culture, and the profound importance of unity in the journey toward prevention and well-being.
At the core of our work is the belief in decolonization and reconciliation.
We understand that addressing exploitation requires not just a response to its symptoms, but a commitment to healing and addressing the historical wounds inflicted by colonization.
Our approach is trauma-informed and strengths-based, focusing on education, awareness and relationship. We are working to build prevention programming that not only raises awareness about exploitation but also addresses root causes by promoting cultural identity, healthy relationships and holistic well-being.
Join us in this work.
Have questions? Reach out to our team at makwadodem@ally.org
Your gift can help us establish new partnerships, train more community members and—ultimately—protect more children from exploitation.
Are you part of an Indigenous community that would be interested in partnering with us?
We’re committed to collaborating with communities to develop culturally relevant prevention programs. Our approach is rooted in deep respect for your community’s unique strengths and culture. Together, we can create meaningful change.
