National Aboriginal Day - June 21

On behalf of the board and staff of AIDS, Vancouver Island, the newly formed AVI Taskforce on Services to Aboriginal Peoples wishes members of the aboriginal community a happy and safe Aboriginal Day.

As Aboriginal people we take pride in our rich traditions as well as our contemporary achievements and welcome the opportunity to celebrate these. We hope that you will be able to celebrate your heritage, culture and traditions on this day and be reminded of the rich and beautiful culture that we share.

The Taskforce on Services to Aboriginal People is a committee of AVI's board that is tasked with assessing AVI's service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This committee is comprised of three members of the board of directors, two are Indigenous women with extensive experience serving their own communities(Métis and Coast Salish) and we are in the process of recruiting ad hoc members of the community to assist in this work. We will provide an update with a list of member in the near future and will also seek your support and guidance in this important work. It is our goal to recognize the contributions of those that have gone before us and to always act with pride and dignity in doing this important work on behalf of the Aboriginal community.

The Taskforce's work is strongly linked to AVI's 2009-2012 Strategic Plan, which includes the goal of assisting Aboriginal people and communities to access HIV and hepatitis C prevention and support services.

For more information on the work of the Taskforce, please contact Katrina Jensen at 250-384-2366.