Leading an Extraordinary Life: Wise Practices for an HIV ... - 2 Spirits

2 Methodology
2.1 What is a wise “practices document”?
A “best practices document” takes into account all that is known about a subject,
takes stock of lessons learned, and adds new knowledge drawn through the application of
sound and effective research methods. The expectation is that “best practices” in one
situation can be replicated in a similar situation and have the same positive effects.
CAAN takes exception to the title: “best practices”. The term “best” is a
hierarchical, non-Aboriginal construct. CAAN is also concerned that the emphasis on
“best” studies tends to a reliance on the lessons learned in large, well-funded,
academically directed studies and marginalizes Aboriginal knowledge learned on the
frontlines through socio-cultural insight, ingenuity, intuition, long experience, and trial
and error. 32 Many academic researchers would agree and have long emphasized the
critical importance of the community-based research model. 33 Ross succinctly states that
the history of interventions without a community base “appear to be unsuccessful” and
that “where cultures or subcultures are targeted, the close involvement of such groups in
design and delivery of messages is critical to their success”. 34 In response, this study is
community-based and relies strongly on the hard-earned expertise of street-engaged and
frontline Aboriginal HIV/AIDS workers. It also takes into account all that Aboriginal
ASOs have made known over years of hard work. This study therefore reflects the dual
knowledge contributions of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people dedicated to
understanding how to stop the spread of HIV. All groups share the goal to develop
prevention initiatives that will be effective.
CAAN also holds that a “best practice” in one situation should not automatically
be regarded as replicable in other similar situations given, “the variety of unique cultural
and situational environments that characterize Aboriginal communities”. 35 CAAN
describes this as an ill-founded “cooker cutter” presumption. Some HIV/AIDS
researchers will agree. Kelly states that the elements of one person’s life that contribute
32 CAAN 2004: 4.
33 Lagarde 1998.
34 Michael Ross and Mark L. Williams, “Effective Targeted and Community HIV/STD Prevention
Programs”, Journal of Sex Research 39.1 (2002): 58.62.
35 CAAN 2004: 3.
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