Global AIDS Awareness Week

In acknowledgment of Global AIDS Awareness Week  and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week we are hosting a special event with AIDS Vancouver Island that features art, film, music and a living library.  

We know from research that early detection is the key to successful treatment but in Canada 25% of the people living with HIV are completely unaware they have the virus. In addition, many people who have the virus don’t have access to proper medical care and struggle to maintain the regular treatments necessary for survival. In Canada, Aboriginal people remain disproportionately affected by HIV. It is estimated that Aboriginal people made up 12.2% of new HIV infections and 8.9% of those living with HIV in Canada.

Drop in for information, talks and performances:

1:00pm – 4:00pm: Drop in viewing of We Are Here Storyboards, education and resources

2:30pm: Welcome and Territory acknowledgement by Elder, guest drummer Alex Nelson

3:00pm: Showing of Strong Medicine: a short film made by Indigenous people living with HIV

3:30pm: Resistance Rising Choir performance

4:15pm We will walk together over to the front steps of the BC Legislature and light our annual red ribbon memorial candle display.