The Pink Shawl Project

Inception of Pink Shawl 2003 Out come of focus group of Native American Women: To identify barriers that Native American women encounter while seeking health care services. Identify culturally appropriate ways to address these barriers that will encourage native women to participate in accessing services

The Pink Shawl Project Creates a forum for Native Women to raise breast health awareness and education issues in a non invasive and culturally sensitive way Brings multi generational teachings together Reduces mistrust issues with western medicine Decreases negative issues with body image for all age groups

The Pink Shawl Project Uses the International identified color of Breast Cancer awareness Pink to define the outcomes of the project Uses cultural teaching of the shawl and its significance within the Native Community and the Pow-Wow circle to teach the importance of breast health Encourages us all to take charge of our own health

Did You Know? Every 2 minutes a female is diagnosed with breast cancer This year more than 211,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in United States? Breast cancer is leading cause of death in females between 40-55?

Did You Know? 70% of all breast cancers are found through breast self exam, even though Not all lumps are detected by touch! Regular mammograms are an important part of a early detection program along with manual breast self exam

Punkin

Pink Shawl Tea/October 2004

Partners and Collaborations Native American Community Services Inter Tribal Council of Michigan Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band Pottawatomi Grand Valley University Hope College Avon Foundation Many Federally Recognized Indian Nations throughout the United States and Indigenous Nations around the world

Migwetch Punkin Shananaquet CHR Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band Pottawatomi nd ave P.O. Box 306 Dorr Michigan