The FSIN Recognizes Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Day To Help Prevent The Spread Of HIV / AIDS

Monday, 30 November 2009 18:00

(Regina, SK)  Chief Guy Lonechild wants to draw awareness to the AIDS epidemic that continues to spread throughout Canada’s Aboriginal communities.  Chief Lonechild will be present at the Aboriginal Awareness Event commemorating National HIV/AIDS Week at the Ramada Hotel at 7 pm on December 1, 2009, at 1818 Victoria Avenue. The goal of the event is to create awareness and present traditional messages of hope and prevention to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Aboriginal community.

“Education is the key to prevention and to stopping the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. We need to address this epidemic ravaging and stealing the lives of First Nations people,” says Chief Lonechild. “We as First Nations people must go back to the teaching of our elders and our own cultural traditions to help heal the suffering of our people from this disease and help one another.”

Recent statistics have shown that there is a steady increase in the numbers of Aboriginal people becoming infected with HIV over the years in Saskatchewan. In particular young Aboriginal women make up half of all the new cases reported. Aboriginal people represent 1 in 10 new cases of HIV, even though Aboriginal people make up less than 4 percent of the population.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.


For More Information Please Contact:
Carrie Shingoose, FSIN Communications   
Direct:      306.956-1025
Facsimile:  306.665.0115
Email:       This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it