Indigenous Masculinities and Sexual Health: Exploring community-driven interventions among boys and men through land-based methodologies

The purpose of this research is to investigate the sexual health of Indigenous boys and men in the Atlantic region through a community-based intervention approach. By using land-based methodologies such as ceremonies, learning lodges and other traditional cultural forums, this project seeks to open the dialogue among Indigenous boys and men regarding sexual health. Through these activities, we seek to gain insight into boys' and men's experiences of masculinity and sexual health. The research team will partner with the Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre and Healing Our Nations to conduct this project. These community organization partnered in our previous work, which consulted with the community regarding the most pressing issues impacting sexual health among Indigenous boys and men in Atlantic Canada. Our goal is to reduce the risks and impacts of HIV and other STBBIs by better understanding the socio-cultural factors that influence sexual health. Through creating spaces where respectful community-driven dialogue can lead to discussion related to manhood and sexuality, the findings of this project will help address social/structural factors that work against the gender and sexual health of Indigenous boys and men.