PROGRAM GOAL
To design, develop and implement an urban, culture-based Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Advocacy Training Strategy.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
To participate in the implementation of the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy by identifying existing HIV/AIDS advocates, supportive Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities/agencies, HIV/AIDS service providers and promote an appropriate networking system.
To participate in relevant policy/legislation developments and reviews.
To adapt, develop and evaluate culture and community based training programs designed for AIDS advocates, Aboriginal community HIV/AIDS education/prevention workers and other supportive AIDS services.
To increase awareness of the distinct needs of Aboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS advocates, HIV/AIDS education/prevention workers, funding agencies and other government agencies.
To design, implement and maintain a confidential data collection system relevant to the needs of Aboriginal communities and people infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.

ROLE OF THE OFIFC
Project management of the Urban Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Advocacy Training Project will be administered by the OFIFC. Accountability for the project will be maintained for the project through its appointed representatives on the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy Steering Committee, and through regular project and financial reporting to the funding agency.

The OFIFC has entered into contractual agreements with the Ministry of Health AIDS Bureau for the provision of two HIV/AIDS Education/Intervention Workers in two Friendship Centre sites. The OFIFC will provide training/field supports for these workers via the Urban Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Advocacy Trainer.

The OFIFC will ensure HIV/AIDS training is provided to Friendship Centre Programs Training Workshop. Initial stages of training delivery will be to provide an HIV/AIDS component of training at other Program Training Workshops eg. Healing & Wellness, Alcohol & Drug, Family Support Workers, Family & Criminal Court Workers, Health Outreach, Long Term Care Workers etc., via the Provincial Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Advocacy Trainer.