About Aboriginal Community-based Research (CBR)

CAAN’s HIV and AIDS Research and Policy Unit

Community-based research has been a priority for CAAN since 2002 and in this time we have been doing a lot of research! We have asked a lot of questions, conducted focus groups, held circles, made presentations and developed reports. We have tried to learn about the research process, to share our insights and engage our membership. We are committed to being a part of the change, of the healing for our Peoples so that HIV and AIDS will no longer devastate our communities.

CAAN has developed and invested so much in research that we now have a Research and Policy Unit within the overall structure of the organization. We have turned to research to help us to:

• better understand the impact of HIV and AIDS for Aboriginal People living with HIV and AIDS (APHAs) and within our diverse communities;
• learn about barriers to access to care and testing;
• identify solutions;
• contribute to the evidence base that our member organizations need to access funds; and
• Motivate leadership and policy makers to engage in the response to HIV and AIDS.

This is a journey that is filled with hope for strong nations and good health. We are challenged by the history and difficult relationship between research, researchers and Indigenous Peoples. As an organization we continue to learn, to challenge and pull apart how to conduct research in a way that is meaningful within our context. We honor our Aboriginal researchers within academic institutions who have committed themselves to investigating HIV and AIDS. We continue to engage with allied researchers who bring important skills and dedication to working respectfully with Aboriginal Peoples.

The Research and Policy Unit is located in Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia less than 20 km from downtown Halifax. Our office is on land that is part of Millbrook First Nation in Mi’kmaq territory.