American Indian Cancer Foundation

06/18/2026

It's Celebrate Indigenous Life Day, relatives, and our team has been working on something special to honor all our cancer survivors. 💜

We've been meeting with survivors who offered to tell their story, and we've added them to our website for you. We'll be debuting them officially on social media moving forward - starting with Keith!

Today Keith focuses on being a dad, a husband, a spiritual – cultural advisor, and helper in various communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, & Canada. But in July of 2024, he noticed something didn’t feel right. Symptoms started as what felt like indigestion. He treated it as normal, even making healthy lifestyle changes – but it didn’t go away.

In August of 2025, at a routine checkup with his primary care doctor, blood work results showed red flags and more blood work would be needed. Keith was proactive in getting back in right away, and testing gave him answers: Elevated Stage II Colorectal Cancer.

Keith reflects on how he almost didn’t make time to go home and get tested. He almost dismissed his symptoms…but he didn’t. He worked with his doctors on a treatment plan of surgery and chemotherapy and followed it diligently. By January, his doctor said the words he’d been waiting to hear: cancer free.

Keith continues his journey by working as a traditional practitioner with his wife as his assistant in tribal communities. He focuses on helping others honor their health and take care of their bodies and get screened. His cancer journey included using traditional medicines and encouragement from elders to keep going. Now he’s able to offer those same resources and support to others.

We're so honored that Keith shared his story with us and that he dedicates his time to helping others. In honor of Keith and all our other survivors, we've created our new Cancer Survivors Are Sacred crewneck featuring quotes from interviewed survivors and the four sacred medicines.

Get yours now in the AICAF official store: https://aicaf-store.printful.me/

06/17/2026

There's still time to get your Celebrate Indigenous Life merchandise before this 8th annual campaign is over!

Say "Stoodis!" to celebrating survivors and changing health outcomes in Indian Country. 💪💜

➡️ https://aicaf-store.printful.me/

Plus, stay tuned for something special dropping tomorrow!

06/16/2026

Where in the world is AICAF? 🧐

Our team has been hard at work traveling across the US to spend time in as many communities as possible. We're presenting, sharing resources, meeting with partners, building relationships, and loving every second of this important work.

Together we can change healthcare outcomes for our future generations. 🤍💛❤️🖤

06/15/2026

This Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, we honor cancer survivors and all stages of their journey.

If you're joining us in taking a walk for survivors this month (and even if you can't!) share with us who you're celebrating in honor of by submitting their photo to be included in our virtual quilt at the end of this month.

Submit photos here: https://forms.gle/7RaLuKxcZHLhh7te6

*Please make sure your loved one is okay with us using their photo! We want this to be positive and special for everyone involved. 💜

06/13/2026

Food is medicine, relatives! 🍎🌽🫘

We're partnering with We the People Consulting to host an in-person seminar that joins industry experts, tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, and food producers in discussions on traditional foods and practices, programs, strategies, and implementation.

👥Who is this designed for: Tribal leaders and those tasked with implementing food is medicine programs in their native communities.
⌚When is it: August 12, 2026 - 8:30AM-12:30PM
📅Where is it located: 228 SW 25th ST, OKC, OK 73109

Register now to secure your spot at this no-cost event: https://forms.office.com/r/QvJNq4gsiM

Let's change healthcare outcomes in Indian Country through prevention....together! 💪

06/12/2026

Cancer impacts our communities at disproportionate rates, and too many native families face barriers to screening, treatment, and support. In recent years, these challenges have only grown, making the work we do alongside our relatives urgent and timely.

To solve some of these challenges, we’re organizing our 14th Annual Powwow for Hope: Dancing for Life, Love, & Hope, which will be held on October 17, 2026.

This gathering brings together thousands of community members to honor loved ones who have faced or are currently facing cancer while creating a space for healing, remembrance, resilience, and hope. 💪

A powwow is a celebration of who we are as Native people. Many come together to dance, hear the drum and songs in our tribal languages. ❤️ Powwow for Hope carries that same essence while creating a space to uplift and honor those impacted by cancer and remind our communities that we are not alone on this journey.

We're currently accepting sponsors for Powwow For Hope. Organizations that are interested in making a difference with us can find our sponsorship packet here: https://ow.ly/PWGv50Z9YsU

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Take a walk this June in honor of Indigenous cancer survivors, relatives. 💜

Celebrate Indigenous Life Day is June 18th. Lavender represents the strength, courage, and healing of these survivors. We're walking to honor and celebrate them, no matter what part of their journey they're in.

It's easy and you can join us on your own time! Plan your walk individually, with family, friends, relatives, or get your whole community involved.🤩

Sign up and fill out the form below to be entered for a prize!
https://ow.ly/2nRE50Z9UIp

06/10/2026

Team AICAF attended the Cherokee Nation Cancer Conference last weekend! Members of our team hosted a breakout session where we did a Community Asset Mapping Event.

Miigwech/Wopida/Thank you to everyone who visited us as our resource table! We cherish all the meaningful conversations we get to have with you, relatives. ❤️

06/08/2026

💜 During this 8th Annual Celebrate Indigenous Life month, take a moment to be mindful and think about what survivorship means to you.

This word search developed by our team is a perfect tool to immerse yourself in the meaning of survivorship and honoring your health and the brave survivors in our communities.

Download and share here:https://americanindiancancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celebrate-Indigenous-Life-Word-Search.pdf