MB HIV-STBBI Collective Impact Network

05/29/2026

Let’s Get Real: HIV and Aging at a Glance

Date and Time: Thursday, June 4, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Overview: In Canada, HIV is now a chronic and treatable condition, and many people living with HIV are aging into older adulthood for the first time. What does aging with HIV look like? What supports are needed to age with dignity? How can service providers and frontline workers be equipped to offer stigma‑free, compassionate care? Join Realize for an engaging conversation and learn more about their research and resources on HIV and aging. Hear from a panel of people aging with HIV on their experiences.

Presenters: Realize is the leading national, non-profit, organization in Canada working to improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities, across the lifespan, through integrated research, education, policy, and practice. We will hear from Jocelle Refol, HIV and Aging Initiatives Lead, and Christina Lessels, Community-Based Research Coordinator. We will also be hearing from a panel of people with lived experience of HIV.

Registration Link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jcdjvnw

05/26/2026

We are honoured to share the launch "The Zoongidewin Project: Destigmatizing HIV in Indigenous Communities" by award-winning Anishinaabe journalist Lenard Monkman. Monkman is the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Journalism Foundation and Canadian Medical Association’s Indigenous Health Fellowship.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the highest rates of HIV in Canada and Indigenous people are being disproportionately affected.

The event will feature a screening of a short documentary which highlights the struggles that Indigenous people living with HIV face and the resilience that they carry while trying to spread awareness about the issue.

The event will also include a panel discussion and Q&A from the documentary’s participants.

Where: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg Manitoba
When: Wednesday, June 24 from 6 pm - 8 pm
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18wDpgXNJA/

05/19/2026

You are invited to the Nine Circles Community Health Centre Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 22nd from 5-7:30pm!

RSVP by noon Friday, June 19th at: https://tinyurl.com/NCAGM2526. To RSVP by phone contact Jess at 📞204-940-6000.

05/15/2026

We are pleased to welcome Lonnie as the new Executive Director of Nine Circles Community Health Centre.

With more than 20 years of experience in Manitoba’s healthcare system, Lonnie brings a strong background in community health, provincial programming, and strategic operations. Her work has always been grounded in collaboration, partnership-building, and a commitment to accessible, compassionate care for the communities she serves.

Lonnie’s values closely align with Nine Circles’ commitment to harm reduction, equity, and meaningful community connection. She is grateful for the opportunity to join the organization and looks forward to working alongside staff, clients, partners, and the broader community to continue strengthening the important work of Nine Circles.

The Board would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to Mike for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and 30 years of service to Nine Circles. His impact on the organization and community has been profound, and we look forward to supporting a smooth transition as Lonnie steps into this role.

05/11/2026

We are honoured to share the upcoming All of Us: Sharing Circle for People Living with HIV/STBBI on Friday, May 15 2026 from 3pm to 7pm at the Ka Ni Kanichihk Mino Pimatisiwin Sexual Wellness Lodge at 102 – 765 Main st (Social Enterprise Building).

Drop in and gather over food, share songs and drum, then finish with a sharing circle.

For questions, contact Melissa at: mmorris@kanikanichihk.ca

05/07/2026

What All Manitoban's Should Know About HIV in 2026 💡

1) HIV is Treatable: When people are provided with the supports to enable them to adhere to treatment, people living with HIV can live as long as people who do not live with HIV. When people living with HIV can adhere to treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load, the risk of onward s*xual transmission is zero: U = U (undetectable = untransmittable). Learn more about U=U: https://www.catie.ca/cant-pass-it-on

When HIV is transmittable, it is usually passed through vaginal or re**al s*x, or through shared injection drug use equipment. You cannot pass HIV through contact with someone’s skin. You cannot transmit HIV through shaking hands, hugging, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, silverware, or drinking glasses.

Have questions? Nine Circles answers questions about s*xually transmitted and blood-borne infections to get the word out, learn more at: www.s*xfriendlymb.ca

2) HIV is Preventable: Get tested routinely; when testing for one STBBI test for all! Ask your healthcare provider for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PreP is an HIV prevention medication that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. Use new substance-use equipment every time you use. Use condoms if you’re having s*x.

Find out where to access testing, safer drug use supplies and condoms: www.streetconnections.ca/locations

If you test positive, know there is help: With treatment, care and support, you can live long and well with HIV. Contact the Manitoba HIV Program for support to get connected to care for your HIV:

Website: www.MBHIV.ca
Toll-free: 1-866-449-0165

Learn more about our work at:
www.ninecircles.ca

Additional Resources:
What is HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): https://www.catie.ca/hiv-post-exposure-prophylaxis-pep
What is HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): https://www.catie.ca/hiv-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep
HIV is Here and so is Support: https://streetconnections.ca/hiv
Manitoba HIV Program Report:https://mbhiv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-MB-HIV-Program-Report-Final.pdf

05/07/2026

Breaking news: The Province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency over the rising HIV rates in Manitoba.

Watch now:

Province of Manitoba

05/06/2026

Please be advised that Nine Circles currently has city construction in the back lane, all visitors should access services through the front door off Broadway [pictured on next slide].

Programming News:
Coffee Talk is cancelled for Wednesday
Sewing on Wednesday and Beading Thursday 1:30-330 will occur at 717 Portage Ave (New Directions classroom)

Thank you for your patience and understanding while our back lane is repaired. For questions please contact our main clinic line at 204-940-6000.

04/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in A Taste for Life and supported life-saving care at Nine Circles!

Thank you to our 2026 Participating Locations and make sure to support them year round:
Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar [who will be continuing their "G’DAY BRUCE" cocktail and food pairing "GNOCCHI: Beef Tenderloin, Bacon, Mushroom & Red Wine Ragu, Parmesan, Chives" with proceeds donated to Nine Circles]
Black Market Provisions
Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery
Clementine
Club 200
Fionn MacCool's Grant Park
Hildegard's Bakery
Nonsuch
Parcel Pizza
Slices Pizza
The Roost on Corydon

Our 2026 Sponsors




A special thank you to Jessica Helms Design for our amazing marketing items and billboard that reminded us the sun is on its way as it lit up the West End.

& most of all, thank you to YOU!
Every bite makes a difference!

Your meals, treats, and donations support the life-saving programs and services at Nine Circles including our Indigenous cultural programming, peer and group support, anti-stigma projects and campaigns, and life preserving items through our pit stop harm reduction program.

So lets raise one last toast to our community for A Taste for Life 2026! You can keep up with how your impact changes lives by subscribing to our newsletter (link in bio) or follow us on social media.

You can still donate to win an amazing prize pack until midnight tonight: www.ninecircles.ca/donate