CAAN is a non-profit organization that leads a collective response to protect the wholistic wellness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples impacted by HIV, hepatitis C and related diseases and issues, such as mental health, addictions and aging. Through research and programming, it informs and influences public health policy from an Indigenous worldview and advances self-determination to address health determinants with Indigenous traditions, values and knowledge. It provides a national forum for members to express needs and concerns, ensures access to HIV and AIDS-related services through advocacy, provides relevant, accurate and up-to-date HIV and AIDS and related disease information, and also plays an international role through its alliance with the International Indigenous Working Group on HIV and AIDS (IIWGHA) and the International Indigenous HIV and AIDS Community (IIHAC).