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Native VOICES

Native VOICES – Healthy Native Youth

Updated: 09/08/2022

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iknowmine (at) iknowmine.org
4115 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

Truthful, Accurate Information for You(th)

iknowmine (at) iknowmine.org
4115 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Community Health Services
3900 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.

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Mar 31

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🎉🎉Giveaway time! 🎉🎉

This year, in honor of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we’re doing a giveaway contest for Alaskans statewide! Today is the LAST day to enter!
This year's giveaway includes items from Alaska Native owned and operated small businesses🥰:

💳a $199 gift card to @naataq_gear
👕a handmade qaspeq voucher from @frozenstitchesqaspeq
❤️a few swag packs from iKnowMine featuring our well-loved T-Shirts from the Wrap it Up Campaign!

Enter here! It’s quick, easy and free! https://www.iknowmine.org/hiv-quiz/

The giveaway is for Alaskans only, so only people with a valid Alaska mailing address are eligible to win. One entry per person.

#NNHAAD #nnhaad #nnhaad2024 #hiv #HIV #HIVTesting #hivtesting

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Mar 21

Open

Happening TODAY at the Homer, AK Movie Theater!
In honor of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, there will be a FREE movie screening of RENT! 🎥🍿
The movie explores a fictional representation of an HIV-positive community, with a variety of characters dealing with HIV and AIDS that come from different life perspectives.
Doors open at 5:30pm.❤️
We hope to see you there!

Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic Ninilchik Community Clinic
Images sourced from the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic
#hiv #RENTmovie #hivtesting #nnhaad

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Mar 21

Open

🎉🎉Giveaway time! 🎉🎉

Waqaa! Cama’i! March marks the month for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD), observed every year on the first day of Spring. This year’s theme ‘It’s all Relative, Our Experience Makes a Difference’ encourages everyone to remember, honor and center Native people in HIV awareness and outreach.

This year, in honor of NNHAAD, we’re doing a giveaway contest for Alaskans statewide! This year's giveaway highlights Alaska Native owned and operated small businesses🥰:

💳a $199 gift card to @naataq_gear
👕a handmade qaspeq voucher from @frozenstitchesqaspeq
❤️a few swag packs from iKnowMine featuring our well-loved T-Shirts from the Wrap it Up Campaign!

Enter here! It’s quick, easy and free! https://www.iknowmine.org/hiv-quiz/

The giveaway is for Alaskans only, so only people with a valid Alaska mailing address are eligible to win. One entry per person.

#NNHAAD #nnhaad #nnhaad2024 #hiv #HIV #HIVTesting #hivtesting

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Mar 20

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National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) is observed each year on the first day of Spring, March 20. This year’s theme ‘It’s all Relative, Our Experience Makes a Difference’ encourages everyone to remember, honor and center Native people in HIV awareness and outreach.
On this day, we encourage all communities to honor those who are living with or affected by HIV, as well as to honor those who have passed as a result of AIDS-related complications.

Learn more about this year’s NNHAAD theme at nnhaad.org.
@nativehiv

#hiv #hivtesting #nnhaad

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Mar 1

Open

🎉🎉Giveaway time! 🎉🎉

Waqaa! Cama’i! March marks the month for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD), observed every year on March 20. This year’s theme ‘It’s all Relative, Our Experience Makes a Difference’ encourages everyone to remember, honor and center Native people in HIV awareness and outreach.

On this day, we encourage all communities to honor those who are living with or affected by HIV, as well as honor those who have passed due to AIDS-related complications.

This year, in honor of NNHAAD, we’re doing a giveaway contest for Alaskans statewide! This year's giveaway features:
💳a $199 gift card to Alaska’s own Naataq Gear LLC
👕a handmade qaspeq from an Alaskan Native artist, and
❤️a few swag packs from iKnowMine featuring our well-loved T-Shirts from the Wrap it Up Campaign!

Enter here! It’s quick, easy and free! https://www.iknowmine.org/hiv-quiz/

The giveaway is for Alaskans only, so only people with a valid Alaska mailing address are eligible to win. Entries are accepted until the end of March & winners will be contacted in the first week of April. One entry per person.

National Native HIV Network National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) @naataq_gear NaataqGear

#NNHAAD #nnhaad #nnhaad2024 #hiv #HIV #HIVTesting #hivtesting

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Jan 6

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Dec 1

Open

World AIDS Day is an annual event to end the struggle to HIV-related stigma, support people living with HIV and honor those who have died due to HIV/AIDS. This World AIDS Day marks 35 years of work to raise awareness, education and treatment options and prevention. On this 35-year anniversary, we also remember that we each have a collective responsibility to act.

We can each do this through:
- Commitments to creating safe spaces that are inclusive of people who live with HIV.
- Stop the spread of inaccurate information about HIV, and start learning the facts at iknowmine.org/hiv.
- Access to PEP and PrEP to reduce new infections and syringe services and overdose prevention programs.
- Education about testing options that are available to you and promote them in your community.

Here’s a few testing options:
1) The CDC testing locator can be found at https://gettested.cdc.gov/
2) Get people connected to iKnowMine.org for free HIV self-test kits.
3) Share with others that they can text NATIVE TEST to 94449 to order a free HIV self-test kit through texting!

Remember that your voice matters. Our programs and initiatives thrive the most when led by the community – by YOU! Keep sharing about HIV testing and prevention! Learn more about HIV at http://iknowmine.org/hiv.

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Aug 19

Open

Your boundaries are yours to build! 🦾

Sometimes, it can be hard to know if a relationship is something you’re enthusiastic about or want 100% want. A good option is to wait until you figure out what you want before moving forward. You could start by asking your head, heart and body a few questions:
🤔 How is this activity affecting me right now spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally? How will it impact me in the future, like tomorrow?
💜 Do I like this person? Can I trust them?
🚶 What is my ‘gut feeling’ telling me about this?
🚶 Are my physical boundaries being respected by the other person?

If your head, heart and body aren’t in agreement with what you want, it’s likely not a good time to engage in the activity. It is always ok to say ‘no’ and set firm boundaries. ❤️

Learn more about boundaries and consent at: www.iknowmine.org/topic/consent/ (link in bio)

#consentissexy #healthyrelationships

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Jul 29

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What is the vulva and why is it important to know?
The term 'vulva' describes the external genitalia of people assigned female at birth.

Everyone's vulva looks a little different, but they're all made up of the same basic parts.
💜 Labia (lips): the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. There are two parts: the labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips).
❤️ Clitoris: located at the top of the vulva, where the inner lips meet. Fun fact - only a small part of the clitoris is ever shown, the majority of the clitoris is located inside the body.
💜 Urethral opening: the tiny hole that pee comes out of, just below the clitoris.
❤️ Vaginal opening: The opening right below the urethral opening.

Becoming familiar with vulva anatomy can help you make informed choices about your health. Generally, a good time to loop in a provider about vulval health is:
💜 During a regular physical check-up
❤️ If you experience any itching or burning
💜 If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant
❤️ If you're at risk for HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
💜 Any time you feel like something may be out of the ordinary or not normal for your body

Learn more about vulvas at Planned Parenthood's site: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/my-vulva-and-vagina-normal

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Jul 20

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It's time for summer mindfulness!

As Alaskans, we often work hard and play harder - especially during summer. Remember to take time for yourself to stay centered and practice mindfulness. Here are some ideas to practice mindfulness throughout the summer months:
😎 Go play out!
As easy as it sounds, go outside, slow down and just enjoy the sun!

🫐 Harvest plants.
Whether it's berry picking or something else, take some time to practice gratitude and reflect on your intentions while harvesting.

🪡 Try a new hobby.
Maybe it's time to finally take up that beading course and make yourself a pair of earrings!

⛺️ Go camping.
It doesn't have to be a grand adventure - somewhere close to home is fine. Take some time to unplug and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Remember, these are just suggestions! Do what works best for you. 🙂

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Jul 6

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What is HIV testing like? Here are the main ways to test:
Blood Testing
In a clinical setting, blood is drawn and sent to the lab for testing. This type of blood test may take up to about two weeks to get the results.

Rapid Testing
Rapid tests provide same-day results and are available at a clinic or as a self-test kit. Rapid tests collect samples through either a mouth swab or a droplet of blood from the fingertip. Positive results need to be confirmed with a blood draw.

HIV can be treated! With the right medication, people with HIV can live long, fulfilling and healthy lives without transmitting HIV to others. People with negative HIV results can also prevent transmission with medication. Talk to a health care provider about PrEP eligibility.

Testing is available at a primary care provider’s office or a local testing center. Find a nearby local testing center on the CDC HIV testing resource site, GetTested.cdc.gov. Alaskans can order a free HIV self-test kit at the link in the bio.

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Jun 27

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HIV testing is love - love for yourself, your partner(s) and your community.
According to the CDC, encouraging people to get tested and know their HIV status can help them stay healthy. Today, there are more free, easy, fast, and confidential HIV testing options available than ever before. Testing, including self-testing, is the first step to engaging in HIV prevention or treatment services. HIV testing is a critical tool to helping us end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

Learn more about HIV and testing options at iknowmine.org/hiv (link in bio)

Content credit: HIV.gov
Image credit: National Native HIV Network @NativeHIV @NNHAAD

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Jun 23

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Traditionally, Indigenous peoples had their own sense of gender identity. Many Native languages have specific terms to describe gender identity, role, status or sexual orientation. The term ‘Two-Spirit’ was coined in 1990 – the intention was to encourage a sense of community, distinguish Native gender identity and reflect deeply embedded cultural contexts.

‘Two-Spirit’ is an evolving concept, and the use of the term is highly personal and is often shaped by an individual’s cultural background. Two-Spirit people are often described to embody a combination of masculine and feminine gender expressions and roles. Two-Spirit people have long held respected social status and sacred ceremonial roles.

Some find that ‘Two-Spirit’ is not a great fit for a variety of reasons. Indigenous cultures are so richly diverse that it’s difficult to find a single unifying term that works well for everyone. Some people choose the term ‘Indigiqueer’ instead. Or others prefer to use the words from their Native languages.

As with any gender identity, ask individuals for their identifying terms. Take some time to learn about the Indigenous traditions around gender identity and sexual orientation specific to the cultures in your area.

References:
Celebrating Our Magic Toolkit by Alessandra Angelino | https://www.healthynativeyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Celebrating-Our-Magic-Toolkit.pdf

Indian Health Services | "Two-Spirit | Health Resources" | https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/

Okanagan College Library | “Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer” | https://libguides.okanagan.bc.ca/IndigenousStudies/two-spirit-and-indigiqueer

#twospirit #2spirit #2s #indigiqueer #2slgbtq

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Jun 17

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EVERYONE has a gender identity. This includes your uppa 👴, gram 👵, uncle 🤓, siblings or cuzzins 👹, mom 🥰, dad 🤠 and YOU! The Gender Unicorn is a tool that can be used in order to explore the different terms related to gender, sex assigned at birth and sexuality.

🦄 Gender Identity: A person's internal sense of being male, female, neither of these, both, or another gender(s). It's helpful to think about gender as a spectrum, instead of a binary. For some people, their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity are not the same.
🦄 Gender Expression/Presentation: The physical manifestation of a person's gender identity through clothing, hairstyle, voice, body shape, etc.
🦄 Sex Assigned at Birth: The assignment and classification of people, usually as an infant, as male, female, intersex, or another sex based on a combination of anatomical or other biological characteristics. It's important to be specific when referring to a person's sex assigned at birth.
🦄 Physically Attracted To: This is otherwise known as "sexual orientation". Did you know that you can be physically attracted to someone without wanting a romantic or emotional attraction or attachment?
🦄 Emotionally Attracted To: This is otherwise known as "romantic or emotional orientation". Physical attraction 🙅 ≠ emotional attraction! There are other types of attraction related to gender such as aesthetical or platonic. These are simply two common forms of attraction.

Learn more about gender identity at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gender-identities/ (link in bio)

Content and image credit: @transstudent and @PIPofHudson
#PartnersInPride

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Jun 9

Open

Tips for creating safe spaces
📖 Take on your own learning
Find resources for subjects you are unfamiliar with, rather than expecting others to do that for you. Learn about identity bias, stigma and discrimination, as well as their impact on youth. Consider your own biases and what you can do to challenge and grow from them.
💗 Practice humility
Creating a safe space is a continuous learning process that focuses on the needs and wants of others by all members of the safe space community. For example, identity is personal, and a good practice is to respect the variety of factors that make up individual identity.
🤫 Keep things confidential
Disclosing personal information about someone else without their permission can be hurtful and harmful. When someone feels safe to do so, they’ll choose to share their story with others.

When youth feel safe, valued and respected, they grow up with the confidence to advocate for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Let’s celebrate our youth for the wonderful people they are!

Learn more about 2SLGBTQIA+ Health and Social Issues from the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/category/community/ (link in bio)

Image credit: @wernative @npaihb

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May 25

Open

Ask which sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs) you are being tested for.

Not all STI tests are the same, and no STI test is comprehensive. There's not a single test that covers all STIs. In fact, each STI could have its own test type.

For example, if you test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, your syphilis status is unknown, unless you take a separate test for it. If you have a concern about a specific STI, bring that up with your health care provider to ensure they test for it.

Keep in mind that you might have to take site-specific tests. For example, you might need genital, anal and oral testing. A negative test for a genital site does not necessarily mean you will test negative orally or anally.

To learn more about STI testing, visit https://www.iknowmine.org/topic/sti-testing/ (link in bio)

#Safesex #std #stdawareness #sexualhealth #safersex #sexed #sexualwellness #stdtesting #HIVstigma #endthestigma #safesexisgreatsex

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May 16

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Join us in celebrating the contributions of 2sLGBTQ+ Elders who, through their tireless efforts, have positively impacted representation and inclusion for all in our communities.

#NationalHonorOurLGBTEldersDay #NationalLGBTEldersDay #LGBTEldersDay #LGBTElders #SeniorPride #ElderPride #ElderAdvocacy

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May 12

Open

One of the most effective ways to support our friends and relatives and their mental health is to provide safe spaces so folks can thrive as their authentic selves. A safe space is welcoming, supportive, confidential and free of judgement and harmful actions and behavior. Everyone deserves a safe space, whether in public, at home or through the relationships we create and we can all play a role in creating safe spaces.

Quick tips for creating a safe space include:
📘 Take on your own learning
🙏 Practice humility
🙊 Keep things confidential

Learn more: https://www.iknowmine.org/topic/safe-spaces/ (link in bio)

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May 5

Open

Today is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a day to honor the memories and experiences of our daughters, cousins, aunties and relatives all over the world.

Join the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group for an in-person vigil today at 1-4 p.m., located at Umoja on 341 Boniface Parkway, Anchorage 99504. Visit the link in the bio to refer to their Facebook event page for details.

Alternatively, visit the link in the bio to join the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center virtually at noon.

#mmip #mmiwg #mmiw

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May 2

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On May 5, wear red to honor our sisters, mothers, daughters and Two-spirit relatives in observance of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Visit the link in the bio to learn about Alaska-specific information on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons at dataforindigenousjustice.com.

#mmiw #mmiwg #mmip

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