Voices of Indigenous Youth as a Beacon of Light and Hope: A Culturally Informed Approach to Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus and Promoting Sexual Health and Wellness Among Indigenous Youth in Northern Saskatchewan
1
School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Indigenous populations continue to be disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)1,3. Although Indigenous community members represent 3% of the Canadian population, the HIV infection rate among Indigenous people accounts for 5 to 8% of all HIV cases reported nationally, with Saskatchewan HIV rates highest in Canada. Indigenous youth are diagnosed with HIV and HCV at a rate seven times higher than non-Indigenous youth.4,5 Purpose: To explore existing resources, current knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perception of risk factors of HIV and HCV, among Indigenous youth aged 18-29 years old residing in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations on-reserve.
METHODS:
Qualitative methods will be employed to gather information/stories. A sequential Sharing Circle will be used to collect stories and deepen understanding of identified patterns and trends. The Sharing Circle will incorporate Indigenous ceremonies, with the primary aim of creating a safe and secure space for participants to share their stories, and will be facilitated by Elders. The conversational method will be implemented to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in one-on-one storytelling for those who may not feel comfortable participating in group activities. Participants will be asked to respond to broad, open-ended research questions using both the sequential Sharing Circle and conversational methods. These sessions will be audio-taped with the participants’ consent. Etuaptmumk (Two-eyed Seeing), emphasizing Indigenous grounding, will guide data collection and analysis, incorporating both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Thematic analyses will be conducted on the qualitative study data.2 Expected Outcome: The stories and perspectives shared by the community will help tailor co-created, culturally relevant HIV and HCV prevention resources, which will be integrated into an Indigenous-led sexual health and wellness initiative that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous youth in Northern Saskatchewan, advancing the field and informing changes in public health policies and practices.
Indigenous populations continue to be disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)1,3. Although Indigenous community members represent 3% of the Canadian population, the HIV infection rate among Indigenous people accounts for 5 to 8% of all HIV cases reported nationally, with Saskatchewan HIV rates highest in Canada. Indigenous youth are diagnosed with HIV and HCV at a rate seven times higher than non-Indigenous youth.4,5 Purpose: To explore existing resources, current knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perception of risk factors of HIV and HCV, among Indigenous youth aged 18-29 years old residing in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations on-reserve.
METHODS:
Qualitative methods will be employed to gather information/stories. A sequential Sharing Circle will be used to collect stories and deepen understanding of identified patterns and trends. The Sharing Circle will incorporate Indigenous ceremonies, with the primary aim of creating a safe and secure space for participants to share their stories, and will be facilitated by Elders. The conversational method will be implemented to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in one-on-one storytelling for those who may not feel comfortable participating in group activities. Participants will be asked to respond to broad, open-ended research questions using both the sequential Sharing Circle and conversational methods. These sessions will be audio-taped with the participants’ consent. Etuaptmumk (Two-eyed Seeing), emphasizing Indigenous grounding, will guide data collection and analysis, incorporating both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Thematic analyses will be conducted on the qualitative study data.2 Expected Outcome: The stories and perspectives shared by the community will help tailor co-created, culturally relevant HIV and HCV prevention resources, which will be integrated into an Indigenous-led sexual health and wellness initiative that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous youth in Northern Saskatchewan, advancing the field and informing changes in public health policies and practices.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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