Native Americans to mark World AIDS Day

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

SALT RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. — In recognition of World AIDS Day, Native American activist Lisa Tiger will speak at the Salt River Indian Community’s health center, located at 10005 East Osborn Road.

World AIDS Day is observed every Dec. 1 to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, also known as the human immunodeficiency virus.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV; making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.

“Lisa Tiger is a model of perseverance for Native Americans, she has overcome health issues and personal issues,” Alvaro Canez, of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Health Education and Tobacco Education Prevention Department, said. “In the past she has delivered powerful messages that are spoken from life experiences, it’s her presence and character that allows listeners to relate and take the risk of contracting HIV seriously.

“The information she presents emphasizes that no one is exempt from contracting HIV. If an individual has had unprotected sex at any time in their life, they are at risk since most people carrying the virus are unaware that they have contracted it. Her experience and drive is key to educating.”

Tiger is a member of the Muscogee Nation and is of Creek, Seminole, Cherokee and Irish descent. She has committed her life to AIDS education since 1992, after she learned that she was infected with the virus.

She was infected by a boyfriend in 1988, and she went from HIV to AIDS 11 years later.

Tiger has won numerous awards for her work as an AIDS educator. A special highlight of her live has been her dedication to her family, that includes raising abandoned and abused children.

She is married to acclaimed Pueblo potter Diego Romero. The couple have a daughter, Cornelia Margaret TaLadu Dana Tiger.

AIDS education continues to be a vital part of Tiger’s life, as well her dedication to her family. The family divides its time between Santa Fe and Muskogee, Okla.

Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million lives in 2005 of which more than half a million were children.

World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been organized by governments, international organizations and charities around the world.

Information: SRPMIC Community Relations Department, (480)850-7342.