LUMMI NATION — When Hamen Ides started Ti-chee, an organization devoted to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS in Indian Country, people were skeptical that anyone would come to the free testing events, he said.

Three years later, the small organization has tested about 250 people in free HIV testing events at Lummi Reservation. Sometimes, so many people come that some get turned away at the end of the day, he said.

“I told the council last year, I have a dream,” he said. “One day, we’ll be able to sit around a coffee table and talk about HIV and AIDS like any other subject. So far, that’s happening.”

Along with Lummi Community Mobilization Against Drugs, Ti-chee is sponsoring events today for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Free testing will be available during the day, followed by a free dinner and program tonight at Silver Reef Casino.

Ti-chee, based at Lummi but not a part of the tribal government, offers free testing days, educational programs and support services for HIV-positive tribal members.

And it’s waiting for word about a federal grant to provide rapid HIV testing to American Indians. Making rapid testing more available would encourage more people to find out their HIV status, Ides said.

“People like the idea they can find out their status right there,” he said. “There’s not that two-week anxiety period.”