Powwow For Hope

Powwow for Hope

Dancing for Life, Love & Hope

A Community Healing Event and Fundraiser.

The next Powwow for Hope will be held October 17th, 2026. More info to come for exhibitors, sponsorship, vendors.

Our 2026 Sponsors

About Powwow for Hope

AICAF’s 14th Annual Powwow for Hope returns to St. Paul, Minnesota on October 17, 2026.

Powwow for Hope is a community healing event and fundraiser that brings together Native cancer survivors, caregivers, families, healthcare partners, and Tribal communities. It creates a healing space where Native families honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, strengthen cultural connection, and build community resilience.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States, and Native communities continue to face significant disparities in cancer outcomes, including later-stage diagnoses and barriers to screening and care.

Powwow for Hope meets communities where they are, through culturally grounded prevention and early detection education, survivorship support, and trusted community engagement, working toward a future where every Native family has access to the care and healing they deserve.

Help Us Make a Difference

With your support, AICAF can enhance services by

1 Strengthening the Survivorship Program

to offer more support to loved ones facing cancer care packages

2 Delivering Cancer Care Packages and Resources

to more communities building larger campaigns

3 Building Larger Campaigns

to address the cancer inequities faced by our communities

Get Involved

Organize a Fundraising Team

Now is the time to organize your fundraiser to help this fight against cancer. Click on the “Fundraise” button below to create a fundraising page to share with your loved ones. More information coming soon.

Donate to the Silent Auction

Please consider donating goods or services to our silent auction. For more information, please click the button below to view our Silent Auction Form and learn how you can donate.

Attend an Event

Powwow For Hope is AICAF's annual community healing event and fundraiser. Powwow For Hope is held each year in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Volunteer with Us

Powwow For Hope has several excellent volunteer opportunities available at the event. Join us and help make a difference in the fight against cancer! More information coming soon.

Powwow for Hope Activities

Luminary Bags

Honor a loved one whose life was touched by cancer with a Powwow for Hope Luminary Bag. You can create and dedicate a luminary bag to a survivor, caretaker, or in memoriam of someone who has passed away. These beautiful luminary bags are displayed during the Luminary Bag dance at Powwow for Hope.

Pink Shawls

Dance with the Pink Shawl ladies at Powwow for Hope as we honor those we have lost, honor survivors, and increase awareness about cancer burdens in Indian Country. Community champions created Pink Shawls to help educate Native women about the importance of breast health and early cancer detection while allowing community members to make their own. Pink Shawls are typically worn at community events to symbolize the many Native warriors who have survived the cancer journey.

Jingle Dress Healing Song

This dance is a spiritual practice and the jingling sound from the dress is said to represent healing energy. Dancers may move in a way that evokes shaking illnesses away or bringing in positive energy.