Part 1 provides an introduction to some of the history, values and beliefs, and concerns of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. It also provides some general suggestions for working on sexual and reproductive health issues.

Part 2 provides specific content on different sexual and reproductive health issues grouped by life stages (children, youth, adults and Elders) as well as issues that apply to everyone. There are units on the key health and ill health issues that are most critical at different life stages.

Information and tools are provided for educators and services providers to:

• stay sexually healthy and in balance
• avoid the most common sexual and reproductive health problems and lack of balance
• know what to do in cases of ill health

As much as possible, the health information contained in Part 2 is based on what we know of Aboriginal culture and history, as described in Part 1. However, we started this project because there are many gaps in culturally appropriate materials on sexual and reproductive health for Aboriginal peoples. This is just a beginning!

The information in Part 2 is provided to help you as an educator, health or social service provider, or concerned community member to work with others to:

• promote sexual health
• address the most critical sexual and reproductive health problems facing Aboriginal people

Each of the 18 units includes:

• an introduction to the issue
• personal stories and quotes
• health information
• Aboriginal teachings and program examples
• lists of other print, web-based and audio-visual resources*
• sample activity sheets and handouts from existing resources*

(*Note: Lists of other print, web-based and audio-visual resources as well as sample activity sheets and handouts from existing resources are only available in the print version.)

Because there are a lot of connections among the issues and between the life stages, material in other units might also be useful in working on an issue. In each unit, you will see suggestions for other related units.

If you want more in-depth information on sexual and reproductive health, sexuality education or specific conditions or diseases, other sources exist. Check out the Resource Information section at the end of the Sourcebook.