On October 2 and 3, 2024, Kamloops will host a free screening of the powerful documentary Dark Highway at the Paramount Theatre. Dark Highway reveals the invisible crime of human and sex trafficking happening every day in Ontario, Canada. It is important to bring awareness to this topic since Kamloops is a transportation hub in BC and connects to the highways that run from coast to coast in Canada. Together, we are the solution. The City of Kamloops’ Guns and Gangs Intervention and Prevention Program is offering this event to raise awareness about the dangerous link between gangs and the invisible crime of human trafficking.

The connection between gangs and human trafficking runs deep. Gangs often exploit human trafficking as a means of generating revenue, recruiting vulnerable individuals, and asserting control. This criminal relationship fuels both activities, making them difficult to address separately. Through Dark Highway, a conversation can begin on this dangerous intersection and discuss ways we can all take action to protect our communities.

This free public screening will include introductions and comments by AJ Edmonds, director and co-producer of Dark Highway, and closing remarks by special guest Kelly Tallon Franklin, an award-winning advocate for human rights, justice, and anti-trafficking efforts. 

While this is a serious issue, the event offers a welcoming and informative space for all. The evening intends to provide an informative, meaningful, and impactful experience to make Kamloops a safer, more informed community. 

While everyone is welcome to attend, the film contains sensitive topics and is best suited to an audience over 18 years of age. Staff from the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre will be on site throughout the event to provide information and support to those requiring assistance.

Location: Paramount Theatre, 503 Victoria Street
Admission: Cash donations for  Courage for Freedom, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking

“We’re honoured to welcome Kelly as our guest speaker for this event,” said Amy Hilliard, the City’s Community Education and Prevention Coordinator. “Her personal journey from a life of violence, exploitation, and incarceration to becoming a beacon of hope for both youth and adults is inspiring.”

An exclusive workshop led by Franklin in partnership with BGC Kamloops and the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre will occur on October 2 and 3 for youth and adult service providers. Focused on community work in all regions of the globe, Franklin offers training, education, awareness, and care to women, girls, and their families. She utilizes her intelligence and procedural knowledge of how advancing the rule of law demanding governmental will require intelligent, focused, actionable advocacy.

“By addressing the gang/human trafficking connection, we’re taking a stand against organized crime while providing resources and support to those affected,” added Hilliard.

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Background:

Kamloops was announced as one of the federal government’s Building Safer Communities Fund recipients in March 2023. The objective of the Building Safer Communities Fund is to support municipal efforts to address gun and gang occurrences. The City’s funding allocation is put towards community-led projects that combat gun and gang violence in youth and address knowledge gaps concerning the impacts of interventions in gun and gang violence.