Red Cross Award – Tipi of Courage
HIV is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world. It is a global emergency claiming over 8, 000 lives every day. In fact, 5 people die of AIDS every minute. According to Health Canada the HIV/AIDS epidemic is occurring in specific populations. In the early years of the epidemic it primarily affected men who have sex with men and those who received blood products. Now, we are seeing an increase in women and Aboriginal people.
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In July 2003, an Aboriginal Working Group partnered with the Canadian Red Cross conceptualized a way to reach this new demographic. The Tipi of Courage Project was developed to help stop the spread of HIV. “We know that an HIV positive aboriginal person in Canada tends to be under the age of 30 and female. And that stat is misleading, because it says it’s the woman’s fault, but most women catch it from men during heterosexual transmission,” said Whiley Eagle Speaker, Tipi of Courage Project Coordinator.
The Tipi of Courage Project takes a unique and inclusive approach to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in Aboriginal communities. It has reclaimed the concept of Warrior – a useful human who is concerned with the continuation of the tribe. Throughout history Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit people have always had Warriors who made stands against hardships. During the influenza epidemic of 1918 and the small pox outbreaks of the 1800’s, Warriors across Canada helped their communities get through. Today the epidemic is HIV/AIDS. The lessons and teachings of the old Warriors are used as an example or tool to motivate and uplift First Nations people in fighting today’s epidemic.
The Tipi is a symbol of courage in the battle against HIV/AIDS. It is set-up in different communities and events across Western Canada and acts like a community centre. A year after its inception, there were more than 50 Warriors conducting outreach work at powwows, round dances, and conferences. At these events they hand out condoms and talk to people of all ages about the plight of this disease. Workshops are also conducted around Alberta, teaching people to make healthier life choices through being a “Warrior”. The workshops take 2 hours to complete and are highly interactive.
In a short amount of time this project has gained accreditation through the thousands of lives it touches, but also through a number of awards. Last year, Whiley Eagle Speaker was honoured by the YMCA as the recipient of their annual International Peace Medal in the “local individual” category.
On June 5, the Tipi of Courage honoured Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, as an ‘Warrior’ at the “Glimmers of Hope” fundraising event. Stephen Lewis was presented with a jacket and an honour song, making him the first honorary warrior. “It was amazing to be part of an event like that,” said Eagle Speaker, “to be acknowledged by someone of Stephen Lewis’ caliber is truly amazing.”
At the Canadian Red Cross Annual Meeting, the Tipi of Courage was the recipient of the Humanitarian Service Award. But what was more special was taking home the Prix D’Excellence. This award recognizes the outstanding and innovative accomplishments of volunteers and the partnerships with organizations that are formed because of the program. “I was surprised that a project that has existed only a few years has earned such a prestigious award,” said Dion Simon, another Tipi of Courage Coordinator. “It tells me the project, the work that the people and partners are doing is creating a difference in the community.”
To commemorate World Aids Day on December 1st, 2005, the Canadian Red Cross hosted an event to celebrate the successes of the Tipi of Courage Project and to raise awareness about the issues of HIV/AIDS that continue to affect all of us.