“Culture is within me. Culture is me. I am Culture.”

I, Claudette Cardinal, identify as a Cree Indigenous woman and have significant experience in HIV, mental health, and Indigenous focused research initiatives. My familiarity with Indigenous knowledge and worldviews allows me to be an exceptional Peer Research Associate for all projects I am involved in, as I share my experiences and ensure that research is done mindfully and in a good way.

When I am involved in research, I draw my strength and perseverance from the different modes of cultural teachings that I carry. I aim to keep learning about culture, to share what I have already learned, and to encourage others to be curious and to bring love to their work.

My experiences include working as a Indigenous Peer Research Associate, a member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV–North America and collaborating with various organizations, including: the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, The Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, THRIVE, COAST and the Canadian HIV Observational Cohort (CANOC), among others. I am currently involved in many research projects focused on Indigenous peoples living with HIV/AIDS and am passionate about the relationships between community and researchers, and how to develop meaningful ones in a good way.

I am dedicated to bringing like-minded individuals together to share their her/histories and to honour all on a path of allyship. “Culture is within me. Culture is me. I am Culture.”