Behind the Pandemic in Aboriginal Communities - Interagency ...

Card Key Issues Affecting Vulnerability Suggested Questions and ProbesArmand • Lack of appropriate addiction treatment services exists in rural communities.• Some faith-based social services impose their religious beliefs on service userswhich can create a barrier.• Armand’s desire for secrecy increases social isolation and chances of depressionand/or using again if he has been clean for a while.• Armand has feelings of being judged by the religious-based service organization.How is Armond’s access to addictionservices affected by the religious beliefs ofthe organization providing the service?Charlie • Youth in the community are vulnerable.• The community is geographically isolated. There may be few positive socialand recreational options for youth. There may be high levels of poverty in thecommunity.• Little support exists for adolescent parents to continue their education.• Teacher has little training in sexuality education and isn’t comfortable talkingabout the subject.• Available resources are not culturally competent or up-to-date.• Limited access to the Internet affects access to information.What does a “fly-in community” mean?What might be some of the positives andnegatives for young people associated withliving in a “fly-in community”?What might be some of the cultural barriersor taboos faced when addressing sexualitywith Aboriginal teens?Jane • Community regularly floods – possibly due to climate change or damming ofnearby rivers.• Inadequate housing exists; there is insufficient money to upgrade.• Drinking water supply is unsafe.• The extreme challenges of the physical environment create vulnerability – i.e.,avoiding HIV infection is not the biggest concern.How does the quality of one’s housing andaccess to drinking water affect one’s HIVvulnerability?Jill • Doctor does not understand the importance of traditional medicine and healingpractices for his patient or how such practices can compliment Western medicine.• Racism and a feeling of superiority of Western medicine are implied by doctor.Ramona • Laws create unsafe conditions for street-level sex workers.• There exists high levels of violence against sex workers with limited access tojustice.How might what the specialist said affectthe relationship with Jill?What do you think the specialist meant tocommunicate? What could the specialisthave said differently?94