Tissue & Organ Donation
The Saskatchewan Donation Program is committed to upholding Canada’s promise of Truth and Reconciliation by making its program inclusive of all cultures and religions. Currently, a significant number of Indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan are on the transplant waiting list for life-saving organs. Since organ matches are more likely within the same genetic populations, raising awareness about donation can increase the chances of finding suitable matches, offering hope to those in need of a transplant.
This artwork, called “NEWO”, created by Kevin Wesaquate, was created to bring more awareness and discussion to the Indigenous people of Saskatchewan. “NEWO” captures the identity of the Nehio people. Newo meaning four is translated from Nehiyowak, also known as Cree people.
The “NEWO” painting shows a single body with four parts that contributes to a whole person, these parts include emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. To be considered “healthy”, all four parts must be acknowledged and cared for. The colours, blue (sipihko), yellow (osawekin), white (wapi), and red (mihko), are all references to the Medicine Wheel by the Cree people, in the majority of the Treaties of Saskatchewan. They are regarded and respected in Nehio ceremonies of healing. The single body amidst the galaxy of stars shows we are all connected as star people, representing the ability to share our own capacity to heal for the benefit of others through organ and tissue donation.
Give hope to the 4,300 Canadians waiting for an organ or tissue transplant with your intent to donate. Registering to be a donor only takes 2 minutes, and is now easier than ever with our online Organ and Tissue Donor Registry www.givelifesask.ca.
Donating your organs or tissue after you die can save lives and enhance people’s quality of life. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of 75 people.
It is important to understand what being a donor means, and how important your decision is. If you support donation, have a discussion with your family and make your wishes known. Discussing your intent makes it easier for your family to honor your wishes if you pass away. It is a discussion that could save lives.
Becoming a donor
- Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Saskatchewan health card can register their intent to donate
- Visit www.givelifesask.ca to register your decision.
- For help to register contact eHealth by emailing donorregistrysupport@ehealthsask.ca, or by phone at 1-844-767-8259
- Talk to your family about your decision to be a donor, so they can support your wishes.
What you need to know
In 2022 2,988 transplants occurred in Canada, 3,844 Canadians were on the wait list for a lifesaving organ, and 274 Canadians died waiting for an organ transplant.
The number of people waiting for organ or tissue transplants heavily outweighs Saskatchewan’s available supply. Registering your intent to donate is one way you can help give hope to people awaiting a life-changing transplant.
Check out the current statistics to see how many Canadians are waiting for transplants, how many transplants are occurring, and how many people die waiting for a transplant.
More information
For Organ and Tissue Donation Registry support
eHealth Saskatchewan
Phone: 1-844-767-8259
The SHA Donation Program
Inquiries about deceased donation to:
- SHA Donation Program
Royal University Hospital
103 Hospital Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8
Phone: 1-306-655-0315
Email: SHA.donationprogram@saskhealthauthority.ca - SHA Donation Program
Regina General Hospital
1440 14th Ave
Regina, SK S4P 0W5
Phone: 1-306-766-3591
Email: donationprogram.regina@saskhealthauthority.ca