Alisa Gilbert, The National Office of Native Cancer Survivorship, 13790 Davis, Anchorage, AK 99516, 907-333-2071, sulook@aol.com and Andy Miller, MHSE, CHES, Public Health Department, Lance Armstrong Foundation, PO Box 161150, Austin, TX 78716-1150.

How cancer survivorship is defined and addressed may differ among cultures even with the US. Among American Indians and Alaska Native, it is often hard just to ensure access to the most basic of treatment much less ensure that cancer survivorship needs are addressed (AI/AN have the lowest survival rate in the US). Several factors need to be considered in cancer survivorship for AI/ANs, such as uniqueness of culture, capacity of the health care system, isolation due to the remoteness of patient/survivors, and a paucity of local support services. The "Weaving a Basket of Hope - National American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) cancer survivors Conference" held in 2003 touched on many of the issues that impact AI/AN patients/survivors long term survival. The Weaving a Basket of Hope conference attracted AI/AN survivors from over 25 tribes and regions from Barrow, Alaska to South Carolina. The objectives of this event were to: 1) introduce AI/AN patients and survivors to various national cancer related organizations that have worked to shape cancer care and survivorship in the US, 2) encourage the development of cancer related programs in remote AI/AN communities to improve long-term survivorship, and 3) improve communication by providing a forum for survivors to network and break the silence that often surrounds cancer in Native Communities. The National Office of Native Cancer Survivorship will collaborate with the Lance Armstrong Foundation utilizing the Weaving a Basket of Hope model in a series of regional survivorship events vital to cultivating effective survivorship programs within Native Communities.

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