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News Health Success of the 3rd National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Campaign in San Francisco and Oakland
News Health Success of the 3rd National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Campaign in San Francisco and Oakland
| Success of the 3rd National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Campaign in San Francisco and Oakland | | Print | |
| Written by Dennis Manuelito, Jr. |
| Saturday, 28 March 2009 00:26 |
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Collaborating Partners (in alphabetical order):
The Sunrise Ceremony which was initially started by the Native American AIDS Project two years ago in partnership with NAHC and the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC) continued for the third time this year and was held at the Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco. This year’s Sunrise Ceremony and Breakfast Reception were sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center and the Shake the Feathers Project (a collaboration headed by the Circle of Healing at the Native American Health Center that includes the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits and the Native American AIDS Project) was attended by approximately 100 people. A prayer of Hope and Renewal to promote HIV/AIDS awareness was conducted along with dancing, chanting/singing from the Aztec, Native American, and Native Hawaiian communities. Following the ceremony was a Breakfast Reception held at the Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center where attendees were fed breakfast, given a goody bag full of HIV prevention information and safe sex kits, and where the audience was delightfully and interactively entertained by Tatiana Kaneholani, Native Hawaiian and staff of the hosting agency. HIV testing and counseling services were also offered to participants attending this Breakfast Reception. Bay Area Two-Spirit Pageant – Friday, March 20th, 2009 Through the Shake The Feathers project, the=2 0Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits held the Bay Area Two-Spirit Pageant in Oakland which was well attended by approximately 100 people. This unique venue was emceed by Landa Lakes, the drag persona of Miko Thomas who is member of the Chickasaw Nation and one of the Co-Chairs of BAAITS. Derek Smith, Chippewa, who is the other Co-Chair of BAAITS was also on hand to coordinate and ensure his and BAAITS planning were carried out without any setbacks. The show was well choreographed and tailored to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and resulted in the crowning of the drag persona of Ken Harper, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. The drag persona of Miko Thomas and Ken Harper of also members the Brush Arbor Gurlz, the only Native American Drag Troupe in the United States! Taking Care of the Tribe Pow-Wow – Saturday, March 21st, 2009 In addition to these two events, the Native American AIDS Project held their 3rd Annual “Taking Care of the Tribe” Pow-Wow at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. In spite of the cool weather with the on/off light rain, over 200 people attended this event which included 30 dancers and five drum groups. Congratulations to NAAP for a successful event and for their continued commitment and dedication in promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. Mini Pow-Wow – Thursday, March 26th, 2009 The final event held in recognition of the National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, was the Mini Pow-Wow at the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland which was spearheaded by the Circle of Healing with support from the Alameda County Office of AIDS Administration, the Family & Child Guidance Clinic at the Native American Health Center, and the Intertribal Friendship House. Approximately 300 people attended this three-hour program which was full of enthusiasm, pride and sincerity. The audience was well rounded with the youth well represented and families young and old in attendance including our Elders. A free dinner that included traditional Buffalo Stew with Fry Bread and other contemporary foods was provided to all who attended and helped set the tone. The program was made up of Exhibition, Intertribal and social dancing, a presentation on HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing and counseling, and an honor song for Native People Living with HIV/AIDS and those affected. In closing, I humbly thank you for taking the time to read this and hope you will be inspired to embrace the message of HIV/AIDS awareness for yourselves, your family, your relations, and our community! In addition, a special thanks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indian Health Service, and the Office of Minority Health which funds our HIV prevention program at the Native American Health Center in San Francisco. Hágoónee' dó Ahéhee' (Until Next Time and Thank You in the Dine’/Navajo language), Dennis Manuelito, Jr. Director of HIV Services Native American Health Center 160 Capp Street San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 621-8051, x595 (415) 621-6209, fax Add this page to your favorite Social Networking websites        
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 19 July 2009 20:26 |