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The good news is states are making strides in the fight against sex traffickers, according to a new Shared Hope International study. But in Native America the picture for victims remains bleak.  South Dakota is benefitting from a crackdown on the worst offenders, but former U.S. attorney Brendan Johnson notes “Native Americans are a disproportionate percentage of victims.” How do reservation jurisdictional issues complicate sex trafficking prosecutions? In this hour, we’ll focus on what tribes, states and advocates are doing to keep Natives safe from traffickers.

Guests:

Brendan Johnson — former U.S. attorney for the district of South Dakota, current partner with Robins Kaplan specializing in American Indian law, previous chair for the U.S. Department of Justice Native American issues subcommittee

Dr. Sandi Pierce (Seneca descent) — president of Othayonih Research

Lisa Heth (Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux) — executive director of Wiconi Wawokiya

Break Music: Little Earthlings (song) The Jir Project Band (artist) Sun Child (album)