Grant: Master's Award - HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research: Aboriginal Stream

National HIV/AIDS data indicates that Aboriginal youth are largely over-represented, addressing a need for research that is accepted and effective for this unique population. Despite these alarming signs, there is a lack of policy, programs and research that provides information as to what strategies are relevant to the experience of young Aboriginal peoples. The legacy of colonialism, structural racism, profound marginalization and the multigenerational effects of residential schools that characterize the shared history of Aboriginal peoples explain increased HIV vulnerability, thus declaring an urgent need for youth attracting, culturally appropriate, and community specific strategies. Research must be understood in the context of risk environments where many Aboriginal youth experience poverty, low education levels, lack of employment opportunities, sexual and physical violence, and street involvement, leading to a reduced ability to protect themselves from HIV risks. Stemming from this evidence and a need indicated by a community organization, the Labrador Friendship Centre (LFC), a research team was created to understand the impact of HIV prevention programs on Aboriginal youth in Labrador. Proposed data collection strategies involve delivery of a pre and post questionnaire to high school students, following a dynamic sexual health presentation, in eight communities in central and southern Labrador. This research aims to provide recommendations on specific groups within the youth population that may be in need of further support and/or programming that meets their unique needs. The LFC and other collaborating communities will be able to use the project's evaluative findings to refine HIV/AIDS programming for youth in the years to come. The incorporation of arts-based and community-engaging activities may be effective in starting community dialogue, increasing knowledge on HIV/AIDS, and improving young peoples' confidence to practice safe sexual activity.