Ka-wâpamitin ôtê nîkân

Impact of a province-wide initiative to provide free antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV, a population-based analysis in Saskatchewan 

Ka-wâpamitin ôtê nîkân is a Plains Cree term which roughly translates to English as: “I will meet you there or I will see you on the other side.” This name was given by Elder Donna Lerat to a project led by Dr. David Blackburn.

Dr. Blackburn is a Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan. His research looks at the impact of the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2019 policy to provide free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all Saskatchewan residents who are HIV-positive. The research aims to compare population-wide utilization of ART, health services and achieved HIV suppression before and after implementation of 100 per cent ART coverage. The research is also comparing differences in optimal adherence to ART medications before and after implementing ART coverage.

Waniska has joined Ka-wâpamitin ôtê nîkân to assist in the project’s community engagement by focusing on Indigenous communities across the province. We will ensure the voices of those with lived/living experience of HIV and ART are heard, including First Nations who have and do not have status, Métis who are and are not citizens, and Inuit. Community engagement began with our first sharing circle in North Battleford in September 2024. We have since been busily planning and engaging with communities in Saskatoon, Regina and the Northern Village of Pinehouse to include their voices in this project.

Principal Investigators: David Blackburn and Alexandra King

For more information, please contact pewaseskwan@usask.ca