HIV West Yellowhead was formed in the spring of 1988 and was officially called "AIDS: A Positive Coordinated Community Response Society of Jasper". That name was a result of the diverse community representation on the newly formed board, including the following: Jasper Family and community Support Services, Seton General Hospital, the Jasper National Park Health Unit and Jasper Tourism and Commerce.

The main catalyst for the formation of the society was a man who had AIDS decide to return to Jasper home and receive treatment here until he died. This disease, although becoming common in the larger centres, still carried with it a lot of fear and stigma. Jasper was no different. The main goal of the society at that time was to support people living with HIV and AIDS, and to try to raise awareness and stop the spread of this disease.

The first year, as indeed all others following it, was a year of accomplishment for "AIDS Jasper", as our agency was known at the time. From the outset it was clearly stated, and continually stressed, that the focus of the Society was prevention education and promoting positive healthy lifestyles to young people who came to live and work in Jasper during the summer and winter season.

Early projects of the Society included the "Spread No Evil" workshop, distribution of Safer Sex packages to new staff, information displays, grocery bag stuffers, condom distribution in the bars, special theatre presentations, the development and distribution of the "Dare to Care" poster and presentations to the British Army (who used to train here every summer until 1995). Other activities included regular articles in the Jasper Booster, film on the community television station, the development and distribution of Teach and bleach kits (for intravenous drug users).

In August 1992 the AIDS Society brought the Canadian Names Project Quilt Display to Jasper. It was held at the Jasper Arena and hundreds of community members and visitors came to view it. This display was an incredibly moving experience for many people.

In October 1993, Sherry Lencucha - a member of Alberta Positive Women Society - came to Jasper to share her story. Sherry brought a powerful and emotional message to the community. Sherry died of AIDS in January 1996.

In 1994 the AIDS Society took on a project of enormous proportions with the Rural Issues Gathering held at Jasper Park Lodge. This three-day conference had representation from rural areas all across Canada. At this gathering another major project, the "AIDS Jasper" video, made its debut. The video was a result of two years of hard work. It features Sherry Lencucha and aims to encourage young people to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

In 1995 a project that had began the year before really came into its own. Through the Peer Education Project, AIDS Jasper and Jasper FCSS entered into partnership in 1996 to expand the mandate of the work to encompass a broader range of health and safety issues. Still keeping HIV/AIDS high on the agenda, the Peer Education Project now became a year-round endeavor that addressed issues such as back country safety, promoting self esteem, women's health, nutrition, sexual harassment and sexual assault and prenatal care and parenting skill development.