Revisiting "Know Your Status"

 "Good things happen when First Nation communities gather to share experiences and knowledge.” (Chief Bruce Morin, “Know Your Status Tool Kit”).

On March 1st, 2024, the Feast Centre hosted an engaging virtual conversation as we revisited the groundbreaking Know Your Status program, a model for STBBI programming in on-reserve First Nations communities in Saskatchewan. This panel discussion will highlighted the work done by community-led initiatives in addressing STBBI testing response, comprehensive and culturally appropriate treatment in Saskatchewan. High rates of HIV in Saskatchewan have commanded national and international attention and little coverage has been given to the work and successes of the First Nations communities addressing STBBI through community-let initiatives. Discussion centres on how the KYS program supports people at risk and those living with HIV and Hepatitis C, encompassing harm reduction, treatment, support and living well within the continuum of care necessary to retain people in care and in the community. Speakers touch on the changes and expansions of the KYS program in the decade since its inception in Saskatchewan. Speakers discuss the broader impacts, new testing technology, challenges, successes and sustainability of the KYS program in relation to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets which aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 and meet treatment targets: know your status, receive treatment, achieve a suppressed viral load.

Elder/moderator: Albert McLeod

Honorary Doctor of Laws, Albert McLeod is a long-standing activist in the Indigenous response to HIV/AIDS and 2Spirit/Indigenous LGBTQI education, outreach, and advocacy. He is a First Nations Cree living in Winnipeg, Treaty #1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Metis Nation. Albert specializes in education about 2Spirit history and re-emergence, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation process, and the outcomes of the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. You can find him online at www.2Spiritconsultants.ca 

 

Panelists: Darren Skibinsky, Dr. Ibrahim Khan, Jacqueline Flett, Martin Morberg, Lane Bonertz

 

Dr. Ibrahim Khan is a public health physician and is a regional medical health officer in the First Nations Inuit Health Branch-Saskatchewan Region, Indigenous Services Canada. Dr. Khan has worked in several health-related positions internationally and the most rewarding work to date has been with the Indigenous people in Canada. Dr. Khan says, “I am an immigrant to Treaty 4 Territory. I am truly honoured to be working with Saskatchewan Indigenous people in health and very fortunate to be part of exciting health transformation and health service delivery at community, tribal council and regional level.”

Darren Skibinsky is a seasoned Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience working in acute, teaching, and community settings. He is a graduate of First Nations University of Canada and hails from Treaty 5, his home community being Red Earth Cree Nation, SK. Over the last decade, Darren’s passion has been working in Indigenous communities in the realm of harm reduction, communicable diseases, HIV, and Hepatitis C case management.

Jacqueline Flett is a 2spirit Metis woman from Winnipeg Manitoba and is a proud mother of two boys. Jacqueline is a consultant in Manitoba where she is involved in the HIV movement. Jacqueline has worked and walked with different walks of life and is an advocate and spokesperson for those who live with HIV. Jacqueline is currently an "Auntie" & community host with Ka Ni Kanichihk’s MINO- PIMATSWIN SEXUAL WELLNESS LODGE. She is also a member of CAAN Communities, Alliances and Networks and sits on the Collective Impact Network.

Lane Bonertz is Blackfoot and a proud member of the Piikani Nation. Growing up in Southern Alberta, Lane's work ethic is one guided by collaboration & uplifting community instilled by a rural upbringing in ranching and agriculture. He is currently the Two-Spirit Program Lead at the Community Based Research Centre, contributing to sexual health-related programming and research that centres Indigenous identities, cultures and realities. Lane is currently based in the unceded Kanien'kehá:ka territory in Tiohtià:ke / Montréal.

Martin Morberg is a Two-Spirit Northern Tutchone and Tlingit man born and raised in the Yukon Territory. He is a member of the Na Cho Nyak Dun First Nation. Much of Martin's work and activism is rooted in community and grassroots initiatives and he acknowledges that many Indigenous leaders and community members have guided and supported him in growing into the activist he is today. He hopes to pay this knowledge and support forward to Indigenous communities and Two-Spirit people and contribute to the meaningful work and reclamation of Two-Spirit culture. Martin is the Two-Spirit Program Coordinator at the Community-Based Research Centre.