W.I.C.C. 2026: Where Whānau, Wisdom, and Innovation Converge
On 20 April 2026, Indigenous peoples from every corner of the globe will gather on the whenua of Rotorua, Aotearoa, for the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (W.I.C.C.) 2026—a landmark moment of unity, strength, and Indigenous-led transformation in cancer care.
Today marks the official launch of the countdown. Hei Āhuru Mōwai, the national Māori cancer leadership network, proudly begins this journey with the world, guided by the theme of Mana Tāngata—collective strength through aroha (love), kotahitanga (unity), and manaakitanga (care).
“This is the beginning of something powerful,” says Hei Āhuru Mōwai Tumuaki Gary Thompson.
“W.I.C.C. 2026 is more than a conference—it’s a movement. A movement to reclaim Indigenous sovereignty in health, to lift our stories, and to build a future where our whānau not only survive cancer but thrive beyond it.”
At its heart, W.I.C.C. 2026 will bring together cancer researchers, clinicians, advocates and people, whānau and rangatahi in a space of shared learning, deep connection, and Indigenous innovation. The gathering will spotlight the full cancer care continuum—prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and cultural healing—and centre Indigenous knowledge systems that focuses each step around the needs of the person and whānau.
Grounded in the wisdom of the whakataukī:
Mā te whakātu ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama,
mā te mārama ka mātau, mā te mātau ka ora.
With discussion comes knowledge, with knowledge comes understanding,
with understanding comes wisdom, with wisdom comes well-being.
Over five days, more than 600 Indigenous delegates will gather in Rotorua, a place steeped in Māori culture and history, to share stories, spark partnerships, and co-design solutions that honour the cultural, spiritual, and scientific wisdom of Indigenous peoples.
“We will elevate the voices of whānau, champion rangatahi leadership, and reaffirm that Indigenous knowledge is not only valid—but vital—in the fight against cancer,” said Thompson.
“With rangatahi (youth) at the forefront, W.I.C.C. 2026 will amplify intergenerational leadership, ensuring the next generation continues to shape the path forward in Indigenous cancer care.”
W.I.C.C. 2026 will be a space of truth-telling and transformation—a powerful convergence of hope, healing, and bold vision. Together, we will honour our ancestors, stand with our communities, and carve a future defined by justice, dignity, and the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples.