2025 Bakken Human Trafficking Summit

Human Trafficking exists in North Dakota. The agencies, service-providers, and individuals working to address this issue face many challenges: educating the public, apprehending offenders, supporting survivors, and working towards prevention.

The 5th Annual Bakken Human Trafficking Summit will focus on a variety of topics related to sex and labor trafficking, sexual exploitation, pornography and more.

This event, organized by North Dakota-based nonprofit 31:8 Project, features several keynotes, breakout sessions, and panel discussions to better inform the community about sex and labor trafficking in Western North Dakota.

Our event speakers will include: law enforcement, healthcare professionals, human service representatives, and survivors of human trafficking.

The event takes place on May 20-21 in Bismarck, ND at St. Mary's Central High School located at 5802 Ridgeland Drive. Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Attendees will have a mid-day break to get lunch on their own.

Continuing Education credit and hours available for professionals attending the Bakken Human Trafficking Summit.

This event is for ages 18+ and open to the public. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, discretion is advised. Scholarships are available. Email [email protected] to learn more about scholarship availability.

HOST HOTEL:

There will be a social for attendees on the evening of Tuesday, May 20th.

Medical professionals, faith groups, law enforcement, human service providers, hospitality workers, business owners, parents/guardians, educators, service clubs, government officials, and other community groups are invited to attend as we work together to learn about the issues facing the region and the action steps we can take moving forward. Agenda is tentative and subject to change.

Below are the professional continue eduation hours and credits that were offered at the 2024 conference. 2025 is TBD.

2024 Professional Continuing Education Hours and Credits

• State Bar Association of North Dakota: 12.0 ND CLE credits 0.0 ethics
• ND Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE): 12.0 CEH credits
• ND Peace Officer Standards (POST): 12 Contact Hours
• ND Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners: 12.0 Contact Hours
• ND Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE): 12.0 Continuing Education Hours
• ND Council on Abused Women's Services (CAWS ND): 1.25 SA Recertification Hours (per session)
• ND Board of Nursing: 12.5 Contact Hours
• General certificates available upon request

"The training and awareness 31:8 Project brought regarding human trafficking helped me recognize it on a traffic stop. Someone who is being trafficked (and I don’t think realized it yet) accepted help after a forced separation based on a warrant. Keeping a victim-centered approach, I connected her with victim advocates, a SANE nurse, and more. At the Bakken Conference where the woman spoke about not realizing she was being trafficked gave me the 'ah- ha' moment that helped me recognize it. So again, thank you! At least five other cops were involved in some capacity, and I was able to debrief with them and they learned a lot too. It also highlighted to me how much training is needed, but it’s really magnified when you see it in action." ~ ND State Highway Patrol Trooper

Host or Publisher 31:8 Project