The "Joining the Circle: Aboriginal Harm Reduction, Phase II" project deals specifically with the issue of Harm Reduction programs for injection drug users (IDU) in the Aboriginal community. Harm reduction is a pragmatic, non-judgmental way of dealing with injection drug use. It focuses on providing services that keep the user free from blood- borne infections like HIV and Hepatitis C rather than on the complete cessation of injection drugs. Phase I, conducted in 1998, defined these services from the results gathered during interviews with 126 Aboriginal IDU. At the time four pillars of Harm Reduction were identified. They are: Needle Exchange Programs; Methadone Maintenance Treatment; Condom Distribution; and Counseling.

Phase II of "Joining the Circle" gathered information on current harm reduction programs accessed by Aboriginal IDU across the country. The information gathered in the "Joining the Circle: Phase II" manual provides a step-by-step approach to setting up these services in both urban and rural Aboriginal communities. The manual also provides a list of Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Service Organizations, a list of Needle Exchange programs, samples of Harm Reduction policies, and a list of possible funding sources to set up programs and services. The manual is now available from the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network.

Click here to download the Guide (1.4MB - PDF)

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