Assembly of First Nations Recognizes Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week December 1-6
AFN press release
November 29, 2013
Assembly of First Nations Recognizes Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week December 1-6
(Ottawa, ON) - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today acknowledged Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week beginning December 1, offering the following statement:
"Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada and around the world will acknowledge World AIDS Day December 1 and gatherings, memorials, workshops and events will be held around the country to raise awareness. This is a time for all of us to remember that we all have a responsibility to keep our peoples safe and healthy.
Together we honour those who have left us far too soon and together we stand in support of every effort to ensure we lose no more. Next week, let's join together to celebrate our successes, our strength and resilience as individuals and as communities, and commit to getting to zero: zero new infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths.
We know the staggering statistics far too well. This is our time to lead the way in reducing the number of new HIV and AIDS infections among our peoples. It is our time to end discrimination against those living with HIV and AIDS. It is our time to increase support services and ensure they are culturally relevant so our people can access proper testing, treatment and care. It is our time to learn and teach about prevention and safety.
Indigenous peoples across Canada are working together to lead change, but we know we are stronger when we all work together. That's why the work of the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network is so essential and we commend their commitment to working with Indigenous people in Canada to empower and support community-based plans that address the unique and diverse needs of our people and communities.
Together we will increase education, access and prevention and create safe spaces and communities for our peoples to live, thrive and grow. Together we will get to zero."
For more information on Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week December 1 - 6, visithttp://aboriginalaidsawareness.com/
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
-30-
Contact information:
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca