Maya Whitecloud

Maya and her two children are currently staying with a friend. After leaving her husband because she no longer felt safe at home. She has limited financial resources and is worried about losing her children following recent family court documents.

Maya grew up in foster care and group homes and became disconnected from her family and Métis community. Her husband initially provided stability, housing, transportation, and financial support, but later became controlling and used her dependence on him to influence her decisions. 

He introduced and encouraged her alcohol use, then used her drinking to threaten her in family court. He also pressured her into unwanted sexual activity and arranged situations involving other people, telling her she owed him because of the support he provided. 

Maya did not initially recognize her experience as trafficking and is worried about being judged by service providers. She has come to an Indigenous court worker for help understanding the court process, keeping herself and her children safe, and understanding her options.