The 3rd Annual Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Conference is being held at Regina's Ramada Hotel from November 15-17. All Nations Hope AIDS Network is hosting the event, which is focusing specifically on Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

Opening ceremonies included addressess from city representatives, tribal council leaders and elders. A vigil walk took place to remember the women that have gone missing in Saskatchewan. The conference also includes keynote speeches from three Aboriginal women.

Margaret Akan is the Chief Executive Officer for ANHAN. She says the conference aims to remove the stigma behind HIV/AIDS while providing a forum for an open, educated discussion. "We want to remove the ignorance and the stigma and the discrimmination so that there are services and programs in our communities that are going to make a difference for the women that we are working with."

The conference will cover everything from the historical reasons of why Aboriginal women are at higher risk for HIV/AIDS, to hearing the experiences of women living with the disease.