AICAF Sacred Circle

About American Indian Cancer Foundation

At the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF), we imagine a world where cancer is no longer the leading cause of death for Native people. Through hard work, culturally appropriate community-based programs, and policy change that affords Native people access to the best prevention and treatment strategies.

At AICAF we envision a day where Native communities are free of the burdens of cancer.

Reclaiming Indigenous Health

AICAF embraces a solutions-oriented and strength-based approach to addressing the Cancer Care Spectrum. We view the cancer journey through the lens of our traditional ways of living, which have existed for countless generations.

Prior to colonization, AI/AN communities across the world often exhibited high levels of health and well-being, which were deeply intertwined with their cultural, social, and environmental practices. Traditional healing practices, rooted in deep cultural knowledge and passed down through generations, played a crucial role in maintaining this balance.

With the arrival of colonization, Indigenous communities faced numerous challenges that disrupted their traditional ways of life and undermined their health and well-being. Forced displacement from ancestral lands, loss of traditional food sources, introduction of infectious diseases, and the imposition of cultural assimilation policies all contributed to significant declines in Indigenous health.

The journey towards Reclaiming Indigenous Health is deeply rooted in acknowledging and honoring this rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. By restoring connections to land, culture, and community, our communities can once again thrive and achieve optimal health and well-being.