Native folks

Provincial Coordination Strategy Project

BACKGROUND

In March 2005 the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) sponsored the Renewing Our Response (RoR) Forum bringing together Aboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS (APHAs), Aboriginal AIDS Service Organizations (AASOs), non-Aboriginal AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs), government representatives, and community health representatives. At the forum, participants formulated 24 recommendations to better address HIV/AIDS in Aboriginal communities in BC.

In the discussion leading to the formulation of those recommendations, participants agreed that a collaborative approach between ASOs and AASOs in order to improve access to services and address service barriers was called for. Certainly the economic argument can be made for increasing funding and rethinking funding formulas, in part so communities can work collaboratively rather than competitively. Collaborative, community-based approaches are, in fact, what many jurisdictions are taking and asking for, especially in relation to Aboriginal health planning and services.

The Renewing Our Response Leaders have identified a number of projects to be rolled out in phases. The cornerstone, and first phase, is the establishment of the Provincial Coordination Program, with the Red Road HIV/AIDS Network being the host agency, in partnership with the First Nations Health Council and RoR Aboriginal Leaders. The other projects proposed are as follows:

VISION

Aboriginal communities characterized by fewer new HIV infections and by a readiness to address prevention, accessible testing, treatment, and support.

MISSION

Guided by the voice of Aboriginal people, Renewing Our Response is a champion for BC Aboriginal communities’ response to HIV/AIDS by promoting and advising on policy, emerging issues, and strategic directions.

GOALS

  1. Establish a central resource and infrastructure for the Renewing Our Response (RoR) processes;
  2. Increase coordination between organizations and communities working on HIV and AIDS in Aboriginal communities;
  3. Increase strategic communication on issues, resources and tools pertaining to HIV and AIDS by:
    1. Establishing timely access to current, reliable and appropriate data, information and knowledge;
    2. Identifying and addressing jurisdictional barriers that hinder HIV/AIDS services;
    3. Ensuring the smooth flow of information both internally (RoR structure) and externally (Knowledge Translation);
    4. Developing and maintaining productive relationships with partner organizations and key stakeholders;
    5. Identifying and communicating about relevant new evidence and “wise practices”; and
    6. Facilitating and supporting community/agency “capacity building” and collaboration

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. Aboriginal ownership, control, access and possession.
  2. Culturally safe practices.
  3. Relationship to community is defined by respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility.
  4. Be aware of the determinants of health applying a holistic lens.
  5. Comming together in partnership to speak with a unified voice.
  6. Recognize cultural differences and refional disparities.

Provincial Coordinator

Heidi Standeven

 

I was born and raised in Northern BC, in the city of Prince George, and have lived most of my life in the north.  I have had the pleasure of working with Aboriginal communities for most of my career; I have done community-based research on two oral history books for Aboriginal communities, worked as a researcher on various projects, and have worked in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and education as a project coordinator, researcher, educator and front line worker.  In addition, I have also worked as a community educator in Healthy Sexuality and was a faculty member at Northern Lights College.

As the Provincial Coordinator with the Provincial Coordination Strategy Project I will strive to ensure that communication between ASOs and AASOs throughout the province remains fluid and open.  I will work towards helping people collaborate in their efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention and education, opening as many lines as possible and making it as easy as I can for people to learn and support each other through their work.  This is a field that I am passionate about and I am very excited to be a part of the team at Red Road HIV/AIDS Network Society.

Program Assistant

James Beck

I am a member of the Squamish Nation and a proud descendant of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples who lived in the present day Greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s landing, and Squamish River Watershed.  I have been working in the Squamish Nation community for the past ten years, primarily in youth work where I specialized in aboriginal youth at high risk.  My efforts were emphasized on violence and substance abuse prevention.  In 2007 I continued my education at Capilano University where I obtained my Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in 2010.  During my last year of studies at Capilano University I was elected First Nation Liaison where I addressed aboriginal student issues on Campus. 

At Red Road HIV/AIDS Network I am the Program Assistant where I will assist to ensure that positive relationships are developed and maintained with partners involved with the Red Road HIV/AIDS Network and Renewing Our Response.  As Program Assistant I will ensure that technical and other relevant information about HIV/AIDS is distributed to RRHAN members, Aboriginal Communities and Individuals.  I have a strong desire to work towards healthier Aboriginal communities and reducing harm amongst Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia.