This CIHR catalyst-funded study investigates the sexual health of Indigenous boys and men in the Atlantic region through a community-based approach. The overarching goal of this project is health to inform holistic sexual health programming.

This project was in partnership with the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre and Healing Our Nations .

Methods:

• Literature review to findwhat is currently known about Indigenous boys’ and men’s sexual health in Canada;

• Consultation with the community to better understand the status of Indigenous boys’ and men’s sexual health and wellness.

• Interviews with those who work in the field of Indigenous sexual health, and with Indigenous men who were accessing social and cultural programming and were previously incarcerated.

Findings:

• Sexual health of Indigenous boys and men is influenced by social, political, and cultural factors as a result of lasting negative impacts of colonial institutions such as residential schools.

• Indigenous men spoke of facing overlapping systems of oppression and support when navigating issues of substance abuse, personal relationships, and identity.

The SHaG lab has submitted a new CIHR grant that continues our work on Indigenous boys and mens’ sexual health in partnership with several Indigenous communities in the Atlantic region.