HEAL Hour: Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in Alaska and Rural Areas
Understanding human trafficking through a public health and cultural lens, with a focus on Alaska's unique communities and context.
Join us for the next HEAL Hour — our regular learning series designed to share practical tools, expert insights, and community connection around human trafficking response.
Date: Monday, April 7, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET / 10:00–11:30 a.m. AKDT (90 minutes)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Cost: Free and open to all
This 90-minute session explores the foundations of human trafficking recognition and response through a public health and culturally responsive lens, with particular attention to Alaska's distinct communities, geographies, and systems.
Presenters will discuss how public health frameworks apply to understanding and addressing trafficking, and how cultural context shapes both vulnerability and response. The session will draw on knowledge rooted in Alaska Native communities and rural health realities to offer perspectives that are often missing from national-level trainings.
Together, the speakers will explore:
- How human trafficking is understood and identified within Alaska's communities and rural areas
- The intersection of public health frameworks and trafficking response
- Culturally grounded approaches to recognition, engagement, and care
This conversation is designed to offer healthcare providers, public health professionals, and service providers practical insights they can apply in the communities where they work.
About the Speakers
Nani Cuadrado, MSPAS, PA-C, is HEAL Trafficking's Director of Education. She leads the development and facilitation of HEAL's training and education programs and brings extensive experience supporting healthcare professionals in strengthening trauma-informed, evidence-based responses to trafficking.
Josie Heyano, LCSW, is a Deg Xinag Athabascan woman from Alaska and a nationally recognized leader in anti-trafficking and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) advocacy. A survivor herself, she founded Signify Consulting, an Indigenous- and survivor-led organization providing holistic therapy and consulting focused on trafficking and MMIR prevention. With over a decade in nonprofit leadership and clinical social work, she brings a decolonized, culturally grounded approach to supporting survivors of exploitation and systemic violence.
Christina Love is an Alaska Native (Alutiiq/Sugpiaq) mother of two, is an internationally acclaimed speaker, advocate, and activist. A survivor and educator, she champions systems change, healing, and equity for marginalized communities. Having been at the forefront of strategic initiatives for over 15 years, Christina's work focuses on ending violence, oppression, and stigma through storytelling, hope, and collective healing.
Who Should Attend
Healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, service providers, advocates, educators, and anyone working in or alongside Alaska Native, rural, or underserved communities. All are welcome.
Please share this opportunity with colleagues or friends who may be interested.