Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson requested aboriginal people and all Manitobans to register as donors for bone marrow and stem cell with Canadian Blood Services, the legislature on Tuesday. Chantelle Chornoby, a young woman from War Lake First Nation, north of Thompson, devoted much of her life to increase aboriginal registration rates for bone marrow as well as stem cell donation.

Robinson said, “Chantelle Chornoby was a true warrior in every sense of the word and her determination to help other people and persevere inspired everyone who had the privilege of meeting her”.

He further shared that Chantelle left her family with peace in her heart and it is now up to Manitobans, and aboriginal people particularly, to leave her a legacy.

About 220,000 people registered themselves to be potential donors, but less than one percent is Aboriginal. A Facebook group called Chantelle's Promise, has been set up by Chornoby, in order to raise awareness as well as to employ aboriginal people to register as donors.

Chornoby had the aim of returning to War Lake First Nation, so he got himself enrolled in the addictions and community services diploma program at CDI College. A mass registration event for One Match is being held by CDI College in “Chantelle's honour” at 280 Main St. May 13 at either 9 a. m. or 2 p. m.