Grant: Operating Grant - HIV/AIDS CBR Program - Indigenous

There are staggering sexual health disparities in Canada's North in comparison with the rest of Canada. In the NWT and Nunavut, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are disproportionately high among youth, with STI rates 10 times the national average in the NWT and 14 times the national average in Nunavut. Having a STI is a known risk factor for HIV transmission. HIV and STI vulnerability among Indigenous youth is situated in inequitable structural and social contexts. There is limited rigorous evaluation of HIV prevention strategies tailored for Indigenous youth, in particular assessing long-term impacts. This 3-year study aims to generate knowledge of how existing arts-based HIV prevention strategies in the NWT (FOXY) and Nunavut (Sexual Health Drama Project [SHDP]) reduce HIV vulnerability, and increase protective factors, among Indigenous youth. We also aim to build capacity in HIV prevention and research among Northern Indigenous youth and promote North-North partnership building. We will conduct 2 interrelated project components: a) arts-based intervention and evaluation and b) knowledge translation and exchange. Phase 1: we will implement FOXY in the NWT and SHDP in Nunavut with Indigenous youth aged 13-15 (n=160). FOXY and SHDP involve visual (body-mapping) and performance (forum theatre) arts techniques, Indigenous knowledge, involvement of Elders, and training of youth peer leaders. We will conduct pre/post-test and 6-month follow-up surveys to assess changes in HIV and STI knowledge, cultural connectedness, self-esteem, empowerment and safer sex self efficacy. We will also conduct longitudinal interviews with participants and peer leaders to understand processes of change associated with participating in the intervention. Phase 2: Participatory action research to engage community stakeholders in knowledge translation and exchange, including community forums, body-map art gallery displays, interactive website and project report.