About | Indigenous Donors Save Lives 2026

Our Mission

Why This Campaign Exists

Indigenous Donors Save Lives is a Northern British Columbia health equity initiative focused on increasing Indigenous representation on Canada's stem cell registry through education, advocacy, storytelling, and donor recruitment.

Founded in 2026, the campaign was created in response to the significant underrepresentation of Indigenous donors on Canada's stem cell registry. Indigenous patients often face additional barriers when searching for compatible stem cell donors, making increased representation critically important.

Through community partnerships, education, and awareness initiatives, Indigenous Donors Save Lives aims to strengthen Indigenous participation on the stem cell registry while promoting health equity and improving access to life-saving care.

The campaign is currently launching its Northern BC pilot and hopes to expand provincially and nationally in the coming years.

Campaign Region

Northern British Columbia
(pilot, provincial expansion planned)

Founded

2026
in partnership with UNBC

2026 Goal

100 new Indigenous stem cell
donor registrants

Contact

indigenousdonorssavelives@outlook.ca

Our Foundation

Four Pillars

These four pillars guide every aspect of how we work, from the communities we engage to the stories we tell and the partnerships we build.

Pillar 01

Increasing Indigenous Representation

Encouraging more Indigenous donors to register helps improve access to culturally and genetically matched stem cell donors for patients in need. Stem cell compatibility is tied to inherited tissue markers (HLA types) that vary across populations, meaning Indigenous patients are more likely to find a match within their own communities. Every new registrant matters.

Pillar 02

Community-Led Awareness & Education

The campaign focuses on sharing accessible, culturally grounded information about stem cell donation through Indigenous voices, storytelling, and community engagement. We meet people where they are, led by the communities most affected by underrepresentation, not outside systems speaking for them.

Pillar 03

Honouring Reciprocity & Collective Care

Indigenous Donors Save Lives is grounded in community care, reciprocity, and supporting one another through acts of healing and generosity. Stem cell donation is an act of profound giving, one that reflects Indigenous values of collective responsibility and caring for those who come after us.

Pillar 04

Building Trust Through Collaboration

The campaign works alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, students, and healthcare partners to promote culturally safe and respectful outreach. Trust is built over time, through relationship, accountability, and consistent presence. Not one-time events or extractive engagement.