Medicine Bag Project

One of NPCOH’s primary projects is the gifting of a “Medicine-Bag,” “Comfort Basket” or “Medicine Blanket” to newly diagnosed cancer patients regardless of the ethnicity, those items that the patient may need during their treatment. Participating NPCOH cancer support group coalition members name their gift to suit their local cultural needs.

The gift can include a pill container, lap quilt, water bottle, thermometer, notepaper and pencil, written material and other items donated by various supporters

A significant part of the gift is a beaded “Medicine-Bag” necklace made by a supporter. The maker has been instructed not to work on the gift when he/she is feeling ill. The maker inserts into the completed project a small article of significance to the maker and writes a short message to the recipient explaining the significance of the object. The beaded bag is approximately 1-½ inches square, exclusive of the fringe. At some locations the necklace is made from local materials more appropriate to that region.

The following provides a short explanation from a Native American perspective of the significance of a “Medicine-Bag.” This information was found on the Internet. The author is unknown.

An individual can make her own medicine bag, or relatives or friends may make it for her. Many American Indians create a medicine bag to help them accomplish a formidable task, or something they feel is a long shot, others keep special medicine bags in their house, car, or truck.

Medicine bags are important throughout life, but especially during illness or other major changes. Because these are times of accentuated self-awareness, sensitivity, and sometimes quandary, making someone a medicine bag is a way to honor his identity and provide reassurance.

People may create entirely new medicine bags or add to existing ones. These cherished possessions are created from soft-tanned animal skins or from red cloth, calico, or muslin Some are plain but they may also be ornately beaded, quilled, or painted with clan or dream symbolism, medicine plants, or totems. While he cuts and stitched it together, the bags maker prays for the health and happiness of the recipient. He carefully chooses the items that will go into it and directs a particular prayer or good thought into each one.

Some medicine bags are blessed and begun with a pinch of tobacco or pollen, sweet grass, sage, or red cedar.Less is better it is not amount but the energy that counts.You might choose to add special seeds, a small stone or crystal specific to a sacred place, or a pinch of earth from your home wrapped or tied in a tiny piece of red flannel.

Medicine bags are works in progress.You can add to or subtract from the unique personal items they contain throughout your life, depending upon events.Invested with prayers and healing energies, they often retain their power for a lifetime or beyond.

Personal medicine bags are powerful, sacred objects that have long been part of American Indians private accouterments. A person can wear one openly around his neck or suspended from his waist. Some people conceal them.

An individual can make her own medicine bag, or relatives or friends may make it for her. Many American Indians create a medicine bag to help them accomplish a formidable task, or something they feel is a long shot, others keep special medicine bags in their house, car, or truck.

Medicine bags are important throughout life, but especially during illness or other major changes. Because these are times of accentuated self-awareness, sensitivity, and sometimes quandary, making someone a medicine bag is a way to honor his identity and provide reassurance.

People may create entirely new medicine bags or add to existing ones. These cherished possessions are created from soft-tanned animal skins or from red cloth, calico, or muslin Some are plain but they may also be ornately beaded, quilled, or painted with clan or dream symbolism, medicine plants, or totems. While he cuts and stitched it together, the bags maker prays for the health and happiness of the recipient. He carefully chooses the items that will go into it and directs a particular prayer or good thought into each one.

Some medicine bags are blessed and begun with a pinch of tobacco or pollen, sweet grass, sage, or red cedar. Less is better it is not amount but the energy that counts. You might choose to add special seeds, a small stone or crystal specific to a sacred place, or a pinch of earth from your home wrapped or tied in a tiny piece of red flannel.

Medicine bags are works in progress. You can add to or subtract from the unique personal items they contain throughout your life, depending upon events. Invested with prayers and healing energies, they often retain their power for a lifetime or beyond.

Transportation

While some people have insurance or access to public funded health insurance, there are costs that are not covered by the insurance. Travel to and from the cancer treatments is one of those costs that the survivor must furnish. A survivor must be able to get to their treatment if they have any chance of surviving their diagnosis. NPCOH through its partnerships refer survivors to the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and any other resource available to help with transportation associated with cancer treatment. NPCOH also when possible through the generosity of funders and fund raising events helps with transportation costs. Contact NPCOH for assistance with treatment related travel.

Written Materials

Through partnerships with organizations like the Spirit of Eagles-Mayo Clinic, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, Native specific written, audio and visual materials area available to help a person understand their cancer diagnosis.