This project began by considering ways that a community engagement grant from the AHA Centre could support Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services’ (SCCFS) youth advisory council (YAC). We decided that raising awareness about HIV and learning from HIV Olders - Indigenous people who have lived long term with HIV - would be a good start. Then, carrying that knowledge forward, the YAC could develop a Statement of Practice to present to SCCFS’s Board of Directors.

The council met monthly to discuss, plan and implement their Statement, which will be an approach for SCCFS to have in supporting and working with people affected by and living with HIV and AIDS.

The YAC wanted to become educated themselves, particularly as they became more aware of the stigma that surrounds people living with HIV, especially in Indigenous communities, with the considerable amount of colonial violence that Indigenous people have experienced and continue to face.

The YAC met with HIV Older Knighton Hillstrom who shared much valuable information about his journey, like returning home to the trap line and teaching the next generation of Indigenous learners. His sharing with the council inspired the YAC to go on to the land and travel to Merritt, BC to harvest medicine.

The youth then wanted to speak with another knowledge keeper in person. On July 12th they met with HIV Older Claudette Cardinal. Together they shared a meal and increased education/awareness with and about people living with HIV and AIDS.

The council decided that they also want to do more land-based healing and work with medicines, which was set up with local knowledge keepers in August 2023.

Some questions that were generated from the YAC included how HIV is contracted and how people can live with a zero viral count. Another element that peaked the youth’s interest was how important all aspects of wellness are to having a healthy mind and spirit. The council also reflected on questions about being in a relationship with someone who has HIV and the responsibilities about disclosing your HIV status to a partner.

The YAC will create their Statement of Practice presentation in September and present it to the board in October 2023.

Part of the Statement will address the stigma and the importance of honouring people’s journey no matter how or when they contracted HIV. Another important piece is including the Indigenous values of Love and Acceptance, centering those around how to walk alongside people affected by HIV.

Based on these learnings, this is how the YAC found the project’s title: Our Values as Indigenous People: Acceptance and Love.