Description:
Held immediately prior to the opening ceremonies, this one-hour session (April 23, 4:00–5:15 PM) will set the stage for CAHR 2026 by examining the unique and urgent HIV landscape in Manitoba. The province has experienced rising HIV rates in recent years, shaped by intersecting syndemic drivers including structural inequities, substance use, housing instability, and barriers to culturally safe care. Indigenous community leaders and emerging voices will share perspectives that situate these challenges within a strength-based framework, highlighting resilience, leadership, and community-driven responses. The session will provide essential context for the conference and invite participants to reflect on how research, policy, and partnership can better respond to evolving realities in Manitoba and across Canada.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the current HIV epidemiology in Manitoba, including key syndemic drivers such as structural inequities, substance use, housing instability, and barriers to culturally safe care.
2. Recognize Indigenous-led, strength-based approaches to HIV response, including the roles of community leadership and culturally grounded practices
3. Identify opportunities for research, policy, and partnership to better support equitable and culturally safe HIV prevention, care, and treatment for Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba and across Canada
Session Moderator:
Lenard Monkman, Canadian Medical Association, CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship
Speakers:
• Michelle Monkman, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc.
• Anita Crate, Keewatin Tribal Council
• Agnes Denedchezhe, Keewatin Tribal Council
• Nadine Erickson, Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre
• Carla Quill, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Health Authority
• Carla Cochrane, First Nations Health and Secretariat of Manitoba
