LOCAL NEWS

Navajo Nation to focus on human trafficking awareness

Jan 20, 2022, 5:12 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 6:18 pm

SALT LAKE CITY – Navajo Nation leaders are drawing attention to a problem most don’t realize is occurring in and around their borders – human trafficking. 

A Utah organization has now stepped in to help protect the Navajo people. 

The group is called Restoring Ancestral Winds. 

It alerts people on the Navajo Nation that human trafficking is a real threat, and there are ways to combat it as a community.  

Navajo Nation President Jonathon Nez proclaimed January Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  

“We affirm our commitment to reunite, heal and restore Navajo families and to end Human Trafficking,” he said.  

A trafficking victim is anyone who is forced, defrauded, and forced into various forms of labor or services.  

 One of the trafficking routes in the U.S goes right through the Navajo Nation.  

The Navajo reservation is spread out across the Four Corners area including Utah’s San Juan County.

“In border towns, you see these fake massage or business parlors. In high tourist season, there are motels that become a point of interest in trafficking,” said Moroni Benally of Restoring Ancestral Winds. 

The Utah-based non-profit organization supports healing in indigenous communities. Benally said survivors need support to get through the trauma, which is genetically passed down from their ancestors, who’ve endured their own losses.  

“If there’s trafficking that’s happened at a community level, it impacts the way the community feels about themselves,” Benally explained. 

Benally says if people feel protected by both public safety and health leaders, they won’t have to suffer in silence. 

“The more that we are able to help them find connection to larger relations and help them remember their place, the more they’re able to heal,” he said.  

The Navajo Nation will hold seminars and discussions on human trafficking and highlight resources people can turn to throughout the month. 

You can watch Benally’s entire presentation here. 

Other Resources: 

-National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1 (888) 373-7888 

-StrongHearts Native Helpline is 1 (844) 7NATIVE 

-Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives https://www.navajommdr.com/ 

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

3 minutes ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

56 minutes ago

Chad Daybell and his attorney, John Prior, appear in a hearing on Oct. 29, 2020...

Larry D. Curtis

Gag order issued for upcoming Chad Daybell murder trial

With jury selection only days away in the murder trial of former Utahn Chad Guy Daybell, the court has issued a gag order concerning the case.

1 hour ago

Lehi homes...

Daniel Woodruff

Governor highlights bills to help Utah homebuyers

Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday highlighted several new bills he just signed into law that are aimed at getting more buyers into the market.

1 hour ago

The Brigham Young University national landscaping team posing in front of the grounds....

Lindsay Aerts

BYU wins National Collegiate Landscaping Competition for the 5th time in 6 years

The BYU Cougars claimed have claimed their fifth National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in six years.

1 hour ago

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Navajo Nation to focus on human trafficking awareness