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

There are profound health disparities in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The NWT has sexually transmitted infections (STI) rates 10 times higher among youth than the rest of Canada, and higher rates of mental health issues. Having an STI increases HIV infection risks. Intimate partner violence (IPV) rates in the NWT are 7 times higher than the rest of Canada. Complex pathways link mental health and IPV to HIV/STI risks. Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted by HIV, mental health issues, and IPV. Indigenous health disparities are rooted in contexts of historical and ongoing trauma from colonization and residential schools. Scant research has explored the interconnections between mental health, teen dating violence (TDV), and HIV/STI vulnerability among Indigenous youth in the NWT. This 3-year study aims to understand the interconnections between the syndemic of TDV, substance use, and depression, with HIV/STI vulnerability among Indigenous youth in the NWT. Phase 1 involves consultations with Elders and Indigenous leaders in 6 communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, Inuvik, Fort Smith, Bechkoko). Phase 2 involves retreats with Indigenous young men (n=20) and women (n=20) aged 13 to 15 from the 6 locations. We will implement Intergenerational Dialogue Exchange and Action to foster cultural knowledge transmission between Elders and youth; this will involve focus groups and digital storytelling. Phase 3 will involve surveys with Indigenous youth (n=200) in the 6 study sites at 2 time-points (baseline, 12 month follow-up). We will examine associations between the syndemic and HIV/STI vulnerability, and test cultural connectedness and resilience as mediators. We will conduct longitudinal qualitative interviews (n=36) to understand trajectories of HIV/STI risks and resiliencies. Phase 4 involves knowledge mobilization with community stakeholders, including community forums, digital story screenings, roundtables and a Project Toolkit.