Grant: Centres for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and STBBIs Research - Indigenous populations

Wuniska is a Cree and Saulteaux word that means wake up, arise. It's a concept filled with optimism for the new day, which we greet with renewed energy and passion. It's a verb, reflecting that as Indigenous people, our knowledge is action-oriented. It is also known as Waniska (spelling variation) and Waanishka (Métis). Wuniska describes the Saskatchewan Health Authority Patient/Family Advisory Committee for HIV/AIDS, and is a tribute to people with lived experience of HIV. The HIV and HCV incidence rates in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba rank among the highest in Canada. In both provinces, Indigenous people bear the burden of these infections with rates 2-6 times the provincial rates. There exists a critical need for a regional Indigenous-led HIV/HepC/STBBI research centre, grounded in Indigenous philosophies and methodologies. Research on HIV and HCV among Indigenous communities has largely ignored the social, colonial and historical context of HIV-related health problems and the inequitable access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, care and social supports. Furthermore, the research is predominantly led by non-Indigenous researchers, and historically by researchers from outside the SK/MB region. Wuniska will address these gaps by building approaches grounded in Indigenous philosophies and methodologies, and employing the concept of Two-eyed Seeing to take advantage of the best of Indigenous and Western capabilities. Via the centre, we will build innovative land-and culture-based research, develop infrastructure to support Indigenous communities and academics, and train the next generation of Indigenous scholars, practitioners and community members to develop innovative HIV research projects in these geographically connected territories. The Wuniska Centre is led by Indigenous PIs and strong Allies, bringing unique partnerships with Indigenous entities regionally, nationally and globally.