Ka Ni Kanichihk is a partner in Sisters of Fire, a Winnipeg-based support group for Indigenous women and 2 Spirited individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
In response to increased mental health needs arising during COVID, Sisters of Fire partnered with KiA (Knowledge into Action) in a Love Positive Women initiative over the summer. Participants met over Zoom and created and distributed cards with positive messaging to support women living with HIV in Winnipeg.
Researchers still know very little about the impacts of COVID on the lives of people living with HIV. These cards reflect an understanding of how people living with HIV need to receive mental health supports in a variety of ways.
KiA is a program of the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC) that provides prevention and support interventions, builds capacity, increases knowledge and reduces risks around HIV/STIs among African newcomers.
SERC works with community leaders to improve their capacity to discuss sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) and related prevention efforts with their communities. The aim is to reduce the intersectional stigma that contributes to an increased vulnerability in the transmission of STBBIs.