AIDS could have devastating effect on Native communities

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Although there haven't been any reported AIDS cases in Alberta's Native population, Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) vice-president Lawrence Courtoreille says, "I'd be very concerned if the AIDS (virus) started to hit the Indian communities.

"It never ceases to amaze me ? the type of diseases that follow the whiteman," says Courtoreille, "TB and smallpox that almost wiped us out, then cancer and other diseases."

Recently, Manitoba health experts said the first AIDS-related death of a Native is reason for alarm in the northern community.

The director of the IAA says he's watching the AIDS issue very closely.