With the first objective of the SHARE study aiming to focus specifically on Indigenous experiences with HIV care and treatment, this focused sub-study of SHARE will examine the care experiences of Indigenous People Living With HIV (IPLWH) within British Columbia (BC).

For CARE (the Community, Aboriginal, Relationships, Experience Study), semi-structured
Talking Circles with Indigenous People Living With HIV (IPLWH) has collected
IPLWH’s stories and experiences surrounding their HIV care. The project’s Indigenous
Research Coordinator, Indigenous Research Assistant and an Indigenous Peer Research Associate (IPRA), along with an Elder, guided the Talking Circles at a community venue within each health authority.

The goal of this study is to identify the contextual obstacles and pathways to HIV treatment engagement and re-engagement among Indigenous Peoples living in BC. This study has three research objectives:

1. What are the stories of strength, survivance and success in regard to HIV treatment engagement and re-engagement?
2. What are the pervasive obstacles in care experienced by Indigenous People living with HIV in BC?
3. What are the most important qualities of care for Indigenous clients who may need additional support to start or re-engage in treatment?