The Idea

The "Native Hope Project" is the promotion of a culturally appropriate symbol of the hope that all Native cancer survivors, men and women, will win their battle against cancer. The intent is to be inclusive and to show support to the survivors, their family members, caretakers and medical providers.

The "Native Hope Project" promotes the creation and wearing of yellow traditional regalia by cancer survivors and supporters. Yellow was selected because it is seen as the color of Hope. The color is in the same hue as the Lance Armstrong Foundation "yellow."

This project is a refinement of the "Pink Shawl" project. That project impliedly limits its coverage only to female breast cancer survivors. This "Native Hope" project extends the idea of a shawl for women to include all cancers and includes men by suggesting ribbon shirts or vests for them.

Cancer Colors

Individuality is important. So, while the color yellow is retained for its symbolic nature, individuality can be built into this project. For example, the fringe on the shawl or ribbons on the shirt can be one of the "Medicine-Wheel" colors (white, black, red or yellow or a combination thereof) or a color that symbolizes the following types of cancer:

Pink - Breast Cancer	Teal - Ovarian Cancer	Teal/White-Cervical Cancer
Lime - Lymphoma	Orange - Leukemia	White - Lung Cancer
Black - Melanoma	Dark Blue - Colon Cancer	Purple - Pancreatic Cancer
Burgundy - Multiple Myeloma	Kelly Green - Kidney Cancer	Lavender- General Cancer Awareness
Grey - Brain Cancer	Light Blue - Prostate	Peach - Uterine Cancer
Yellow-Sarcoma/Bone	Gold - Childhood Cancer	Emerald Green-Liver
Periwinkle Blue-Esophageal	Yellow- Bladder Cancer	Purple - Leiomyosarcoma

Use in Traditional Regalia

Yellow can also be used in other regalia such as full length dresses or accessories.

How you can get involved…

• Purchase a Shawl or Ribbon Shirt for $60
• Wear yellow in your traditional regalia
• Buy a Supporter pin  for $30

For further information contact NPCOH