Tracker Pixel for Entry

Ruth Buffalo: National Native HIV-AIDS Awareness Day

Letters to the Editor | March 20th, 2022

To the editor,

In 2018, I became the first Native Democratic woman elected to the North Dakota State Legislature. I proudly serve my district and advocate for my community. COVID-19 made headlines when it ravaged the Native community, as have many health and wellness issues throughout my life and career.

There’s one health inequity Native populations face that isn’t making headlines anymore - HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. HIV epidemic has become more concentrated in marginalized and disenfranchised communities. HIV health disparities are striking, with more infections occurring in minorities and communities of color than in other populations. The most recent statistics from 2012-2016 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a 34 percent increase in HIV diagnoses among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Sunday, March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to shine a light on the need for more testing and continued education on HIV/AIDS. The Native community in our state needs accurate, accessible, and actionable HIV information that is culturally tailored by and for Natives. The geographical distances, cultural differences, and the sheer number of Tribal Nations mean there is no “one size fits all” approach for Native people, therefore partnerships must be built and resources dedicated towards mitigating the epidemic for our citizens.

HIV-related disparities are often connected to a multitude of risk factors, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and lack of affordable housing. All of these are exacerbated by inconsistent funding for Indian Health Service (IHS), and community-based organizations.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time for us to remember those that have passed, and acknowledge those who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. More importantly however, it is a day to acknowledge the ongoing fight against the disease we must not back down from, to bring greater equity and improved quality of life for everyone impacted by it.

To honor the day, join us locally on Sunday, March 20 from Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Indigenous Association located in Fargo at 720 1st Ave N. for free food From Tee’s Tacos, HIV testing, and a chance to be in the community together.

And more importantly, please get educated, tested, and get treated for HIV.

North Dakota State Representative Ruth Buffalo

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee NelsonMore than 1,000 pro-worker events are planned for Thursday, May 1 across the country, including rallies in Fargo-Moorhead, Grand Forks, Minot and Jamestown. East Grand Forks and Bismarck will host protests…

By Prairie Rose Seminolems.prairierose@gmail.com I was a child who walked behind my parents into classrooms and kitchens, spaces of song and prayer, where teachings lived in the air and settled on my shoulders. I didn’t yet have…

Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m.-MidnightPlains Art Museum, 704 1st Ave. N., FargoDon’t miss the art party of the year! What goes on at the gala? There’s a silent art auction with music by Low Standards and DJ Star IV, hors d’oeuvres…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comIt’s no secret that there are folks among us who make our communities a more vibrant place through both their actions and means of creative expression. Heck, you could be one of them yourself.…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWhat age has been determined to be the worst in world history?Historians have estimated about one third of the population of Europe died of the bubonic plague, also known as the black plague, from…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com After a very inspiring conversation with Kayla Houchin of Sonder Bakehouse a few weeks ago, I decided that it’s an appropriate time to write a column about some of the sweet people who are involved…

Mooncats and Pert Near Sandstone play Empire TheatreBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comThe MoonCats describe themselves as “Americonscious Campfire Folk.” They have a clear acoustic folk sound with a sense of whimsy — think…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com Anchored by the dependable Florence Pugh, “Thunderbolts*” easily tops “Captain America: Brave New World” to make it the most satisfying MCU movie of 2025 — so far. The asterisk alludes…

By Raul Gomez Modern Man was a gentle soul. If you were down or just wanted a friend, he’d be there for you. I remember the first day I met Modern Man. It was Jeremiah Fuglseth and me. He wanted to write about this legendary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comHigh Plains Reader had the opportunity to interview two mysterious new game show hosts named Milt and Bradley Barker about an upcoming event they will be putting on at Brewhalla. What…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com I remember when I was young, probably 11 years ago. One morning I was not feeling well because of my period. After I got ready to go to school, I went back to bed and it was hard to get up…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson.nd7@gmail.com Our trucking business has me driving almost daily from gas plants in western North Dakota's oil patch to Canada. I haul natural gas liquids (NGLs) products we used to see flared off at…