Grant: Project Grant

Background: In Saskatchewan, HIV and hepatitis C rates which are associated with injection drug use continue to be above the national average with 79% of those self-identifying as Indigenous mostly impacted. In pregnant women, if these risks are not proactively identified, prenatal exposure to substance use and HIV among women with unstable housing and not accessing addictions and HIV treatment can further increase poor maternal and infant outcomes. Research Q: (1) harm reduction and housing: planning for the future and the structural role of culture; (2) prenatal and postpartum health care: women-centred philosophies of care; and, (3) Keeping families together: Child apprehension prevention - addressing substance use disorders. Methods: quantitative assessment of clinical markers and maternal-infant outcomes (retrospective chart reviews), qualitative interview approaches (sequential sharing circles, conversational interviews, photovoice and arts-based methods, witness and team reflections, culture-based and land-based healing activities) Analytic approaches: Two-Eyed seeing; includes data interpretation and application of findings from the perspective of peer research associates (PRAs) and Sanctum 1.5 staff Application of findings and KTE: KTE integrating study findings, feedback from collaborators, and Indigenous methodology (i.e., feast and ceremonies) will be used to inform Saskatchewan Health Authority and Indigenous partner policy briefs, develop manuscripts, and conference presentations/community forums