Aiden Brooks

Aiden recently moved to Fort McMurray after growing up in his Cree community. Wanting greater independence and steady employment, Aiden started working as a server at The Night Owl, a busy late-night bar.

On one of Aiden's first shifts, three different patrons grabbed him and solicited him for sexual services. Shocked and embarrassed, Aiden approached his manager, who told him that this behaviour was normal and that keeping customers happy was the most important part of the job. The manager told Aiden not to refuse customers and suggested he could make extra tips by going along with their requests.

Feeling confused and unsure where to turn, Aiden remained at The Night Owl because he needed the income. He became increasingly uncomfortable at work and began experiencing stress, difficulty sleeping, and shame about what had happened. He gradually became more distant from his friends and family because he did not know how to talk about his experiences.