AIDS figures chilling

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The latest figures on AIDS in the Native community are chilling.

They're scary even if you're in monogamous relationship and you're faithful to your partner since they mean AIDS could claim the life of someone you care about.

The figures underscore the importance of learning what you can about this deadly disease and doing what you can to prevent it.

Official Health and Welfare Canada figures tell us 24 Native people in Canada with AIDS to 960.

And as many as 1,500 more people carry the HIV infection, according to Health and Welfare.

Taking risks with AIDS can involve many people so it's not only wise but it's socially responsible to take precautions.

Native and non-Native organizations are doing a better and better job of getting the message out about AIDS.

In the Native community the Feather of Hope Society is playing a lead role, inspired in large part by Enoch Native Ken Ward, who had the courage to go public last year when he learned he had tested positive for the HIV virus.

In the last year he has shared his experience across Canada, bringing a message of hope, courage and caution.

Just recently the society held a conference in North Battleford to share the message of prevention with Saskatchewan young people.

Denise Lambert, a founding society member, didn't pull any punches. "The youth who are active sexually must be shown AIDS kills and it doesn't care who it kills."

In some respects AIDS presents a greater threat to the Native community than the non-Native community.

But the Native community is coming together to fight this common threat and is further ahead in many ways than the non-Native community in that battle.

The Four Nations of Hobbema realizing the threat to their community and their young people will hold a conference on AIDS April 24 and 25 at the Panee Memorial Agriplex.

And in Calgary the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association have outreach workers taking the deadly message of AIDS to the Native community.

Such efforts must be supported.

The fight must not let up against this deadly, invisible disease, which could explode in the Native community.

It is literally a matter of life and death.