About the CAAN Summit
The CAAN Summit is a gathering of deep listening and honouring of the lived experiences of First Peoples of this land. It brings together Indigenous people living with and affected by HIV, STBBIs, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, mental health challenges, and related issues, along with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community workers, and allies.
The Summit is a constantly evolving event. What began as focused conversations has grown into a space that now includes Indigenous vendors, local hosts, and opportunities for cultural exchange. Each year the format shifts to better reflect the needs, knowledge, and leadership of the communities who gather.
Centring Lived Experience At its heart, the Summit is about deep listening. Participants share stories, knowledge, and strategies in ways that honour the wisdom of those with lived and living experience. The space prioritizes respect, cultural safety, and the strength that comes from gathering together.
Community and Connection Alongside workshops, dialogue, and ceremony, the Summit now features Indigenous vendors and local makers. This creates room for economic connection, cultural expression, and the everyday relationships that strengthen our collective work.
Looking Forward As the Summit continues to evolve, it remains guided by the voices of First Peoples. It is a place to listen, to honour, and to move forward together in the ongoing response to HIV and related health challenges across the land.
The 2026 CAAN summit will be held in Calgary, Alberta
CAAN Summit 2026
Journey Together: Strengthening Wellness Through Culture and Collective Action
Join us for the 2026 CAAN Summit, taking place September 21–24 at 2500 48 Avenue NE in Calgary, Alberta. This year’s gathering invites us to walk forward together in a spirit of hope, connection, and shared strength. Rooted in culture and guided by the lived experiences of First Peoples, the Summit will create space for deep listening, meaningful dialogue, and collective action that strengthens wellness across our communities. With Indigenous vendors, local hosts, and opportunities to learn from one another, we look forward to gathering in a good way and continuing the journey of healing, resilience, and solidarity.
Eligibility
- First Peoples of the land;
- Individuals with lived experience of HIV or viral hepatitis; and
- Women who meet the Summit criteria.
2026 CAAN Summit Scholarship Application
Eligibility
Please attach your letter with your registration form or submit it to: [email protected]
CAAN Summit History
Looking back on CAAN Summit 2025 in Winnipeg, December 1–4, we remember a powerful gathering of Indigenous leaders, youth, Elders, and community members who came together to build Indigenous-led pathways in HIV prevention, care, healing, and harm reduction.
Over those days, the Summit centred Indigenous leadership and lived experience. Participants strengthened cultural wellness practices through ceremony, teachings, and land-based knowledge. Together they co-created community-led health solutions, built capacity and solidarity, and forged long-term relationships that continue to grow.
The gathering shaped a collective call to action for Indigenous-led HIV responses across Turtle Island. Its community-driven recommendations and renewed commitment to Indigenous self-determination in health continue to guide CAAN’s national HIV work, strengthening relationships and lighting the path forward.
