In 1998 Nine Circles was established as a centre for HIV care in Winnipeg resulting from the amalgamation of four community based AIDS service organizations: Village Clinic, Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force, AIDS Shelter coalition and Kali Shiva AIDS Services. This integrated model of AIDS service delivery was the result of joint consultation, which established the initial framework for a model of HIV care, prevention, treatment and support in Manitoba.

In recent years, Nine Circles programs and services have evolved to respond to the changing epidemic and growing partnerships with community groups and health care agencies. In 2006, a Strategic Plan was implemented for the development, management and evaluation of its services through 2009.  

What do the Nine Circles mean?

1. CLIENT:
Including individuals, family and community

2. CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT:
Ethnicity, gender, age, social position, language and sexuality

3.  APPROACH:
Incorporates 5 strategies – preventative, promotive, supportive, restorative and    curative. Clients may require a    different configuration of services each time they walk through the door, however the goal is always to enhance the  “wellness” of the client.

4.  VENUES:
Articulates a range of venues in which services may be delivered.

5. SERVICES:
Fluid based on number 3, in order to adapt service delivery based on specific client needs with ever changing    states of wellness and diverse cultural backgrounds.

6. ABORIGINAL DIRECTION:
To ensure culturally-based access for aboriginal, treaty, Inuit, Metis and non-status Manitobans to all HIV/AIDS  prevention, educational and PHA care and treatment services in Winnipeg.

7. HUMAN RESOURCES:
Clients, volunteers, staff, administration, board members, and donors. Involving clients in diverse roles is key to a client centred model.

8.  PARTNERSHIPS:
Formal and informal linkages with community service providers is integral to effective service delivery.

9. CLIENTS:
This demonstrates to accountability of all services in a client centred model based on the development of a clear two way communication strategy.