Indigenous AIDS Awareness Day/ Week is held every year from December 1 to December 7 beginning on World AIDS Day – December 1. Today, Indigenous people are still dying of AIDS in Canada. Some people choose Indigenous AIDS Awareness Day/Week to memorialize or to commemorate those who struggled living with HIV.
This week is an opportunity to:
• Increase awareness and knowledge about HIV and AIDS support, testing, treatment, and adherence to antiretroviral medication and include information on how HIV is transmitted and how it is not.
• Establish ongoing prevention and education programs in Indigenous communities.
• To bring together community and stakeholders with Indigenous people living with or affected by HIV & AIDS.
• Address common attitudes and misinformation that may interfere with prevention, care, and treatment activities.
• Reduce HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination.
This activity guide is intended as a resource to help you, and your community, think about what HIV and AIDS awareness activities you might plan for Indigenous AIDS Awareness Day/ Week as well as throughout the year.