Grant: Team Grant: HIV/AIDS and STBBI Community-Based Research General Indigenous LOI

Historically, Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island have survived and thrived with knowledge systems, approaches to wellness and community resources derived from the land. Despite cultural, linguistic and geographical diversity, Indigenous youth are disproportionally represented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted, and blood-borne infections (STBBI) compared to Canadian non-Indigenous youth. Indigenous youth are often descendants from generations devastated by unresolved trauma resulting from Canada's Residential School System (RSS). RSS survivors faced sexual abuse, forced binaries of gender, fear-based sex education and indoctrination of culturally inappropriate sexual values. High rates of HIV, STBBI and health inequities underscore the need for culturally rooted and strengths-based approaches to promote positive sexual and overall wellness. Building on PHAC-funded Mâmawi-Kotawân peer mentor networks and learnings/tools from CIHR-funded ATOHTITAM, this research program navigates 2023 policy changes in Saskatchewan (SK). New policy limits youth autonomy by forcing reductive and harmful conversations on gender that do not reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and being. SK's current political environment and unpredictable scope highlights expanding gaps and need for grassroots programs. Research methodology involves close collaboration with youth, Elders, Knowledge Holders, community leaders and people with lived/living experiences. Tailored plans for each community will interweave insights from sharing circles, one-on-one interviews, and land- and arts-based activities. Achieving equitable health outcomes demands a commitment to self-determination. This research program emphasizes involvement of Indigenous communities spanning from conception to execution of a mentorship network that equips Indigenous youth with knowledge to embody healthy, culturally appropriate and identity-affirming sexuality.