Canada Group Co-Hosts Indigenous AIDS Conference Amsterdam

Canada Group Co-Hosts Indigenous AIDS Conference Amsterdam  

Global HIV response depends on not leaving Indigenous Peoples behind

Vancouver, BC (July 10, 2018) – The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN), the International Indigenous Working Group on HIV & AIDS (IIWGHA), and the International Indigenous HIV and AIDS Community (IIHAC) announces they will host the 7^th Annual International Indigenous Pre-Conference on HIV and AIDS July 21-22, and the Indigenous Peoples Networking Zone at the International AIDS Conference July 23-27, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

• Facebook Live-streaming many of the talks for Canada audiences. Topics ranging from harm-reduction regimens to leadership advocacy, clinical case presentations, lively panel discussions, keynotes, and cultural exchanges.
• Call for Canada-wide community, science and leader partnerships to execute Amsterdam learnings back in Canada.
• Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network has been fundamental in both of these global events. Yet, 2018 brings a 46% funding cut from the Ministry’s HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. CAAN continues to lobby for an urgent funding review to continue representing Canada on the international stage, and to ensure the leading voice of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples living with HIV or AIDS is not decimated within Canada.

The Indigenous Pre-conference is themed around building bridges across the world and uniting the strengths of Indigenous Peoples in order for them to take their rightful place on the international stage. It is an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples from all over the world and their allies to share wise and promising practices, learn from each other and build relationships across continents, cultures, traditions, and languages.

“This year’s event will challenge attendees to build bridges that ignite leadership, science and community partnerships to advocate for Indigenous Peoples and to empower Indigenous people to lead,” said Ken Clement, CAAN, CEO; IIWGHA, Co-Chair Canada. “Our aim is that with the meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples we will get the world working together – not only to address HIV in Indigenous communities, but also to serve our critical role in closing global target gaps.”

The Netherlands have been a long-standing champion of diversity and inclusion. Which will provide a stimulating space for collaboration, and in turn will give rise to a powerful Indigenous-led global response to HIV and AIDS. Amsterdam is also among the first cities to have reached the global 90-90-90 HIV targets.

“90-90-90 is not sufficient to stop ongoing transmission. Reaching Indigenous populations is the last mile to zero new infections and where the world’s biggest challenge remains,” stated Marama Mullen (Pala), IIWGHA Co-Chair New Zealand and IIHAC Chairperson.

International Indigenous Pre-conference on HIV & AIDS 2018

De Nieuwe Liefde
Da Costakade 102, 1053 WP Amsterdam, Netherlands
July 21-22, 2018

For more information or free registration, http://bit.ly/iipcha2018

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About CAAN www.caan.ca

The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) is a non-profit organization that leads a collective response to protect the wholistic wellness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples impacted by HIV, hepatitis C and related diseases and issues, such as mental health, addictions and aging. Through research and programming, it informs and influences public health policy from an Indigenous worldview and advances self-determination to address health determinants with Indigenous traditions, values and knowledge.

About IIWGHA iiwgha.org

For over two decades Indigenous peoples and leaders around the world have worked together to form the International Indigenous Working Group on HIV & AIDS to build a unified voice for Indigenous peoples in collective action against HIV and AIDS by creating partnerships with governments, Indigenous leaders, research bodies, and AIDS organizations. IIWGHA provides Indigenous leaders an outlet for sharing, exchanging, and gaining experiences and knowledge on HIV and AIDS to promote hope and change within their own communities.

Image and Interviews available from IIWGHA spokespeople, local representatives and guest speakers from a variety of the countries.

Media Contact:
Shelley Mantei, Mediatonic PR
1.604.649.2893 buzz[at]mediatonicpr[dot]com