Indigenous midwifery, cornerstone to reconciliation

Canada’s commitment to reconciliation should literally start at birth by making a significant investment in Indigenous midwifery. Indigenous midwives are not just about “catching babies.” We are about increasing the safety, security, and self-determination of our families, communities and Nations through excellent sexual and reproductive health care. Our distinct clinical and cultural competencies enable us to respond to the health needs that are unique to Indigenous communities. When Indigenous midwives are in a community, they increase access to health care, decrease birth evacuation, and contribute to strengthening knowledge and capacity within the community. Historically, Indigenous communities across Canada always had midwives. Midwives were once—and can continue to be—a cornerstone of every Indigenous community, holding an essential and deeply respected role in health and wellness. Colonization and assimilative policies outlawed midwifery practices and removed birth from community. We now have routine evacuation for birth, which forces pregnant people to leave their homes to wait in unfamiliar urban centres, and give birth thousands of kilometres away from their land, family, and communities. This loss of power of Indigenous people to be active participants in the birth and parenting journey is an ongoing form of cultural destruction that breaks down community bonds and weakens our web of relationships and knowledge transmission. This contributes to poorer health outcomes for Indigenous people in Canada. But these health inequities can be addressed through the restoration of Indigenous midwifery. There are currently 140 Indigenous midwives across the country who prove exceptional health care to Indigenous families in ways that promote dignity and self-determination. As Indigenous midwives, we are transforming the health care system, addressing the intergenerational trauma that is experienced through systemic racism. Recognizing our value and supporting our professional skills and knowledge is a form of reconciliation in action. Indeed, Indigenous midwives have a positive impact on a broad range of community health and wellness outcomes through improving access to safe medical care. The benefits are reflected in the provision of clinically excellent care, reclamation of cultural practices, promotion of food sovereignty, including breastfeeding; parenting support; intervention in child welfare practices of apprehending and separating infants; restoration of Indigenous practices; and provision of leadership and education in the community. Indigenous midwives play an active role in supporting youth through teaching respectful and safe sexuality, mentorship, and education. When youth see themselves reflected in respected positions in the community that are rooted in Indigenous ways of being, it opens up a future of possibilities. In a few weeks, Canada is hosting the global Women Deliver conference in Vancouver. It’s a significant moment for Canada, as a global leader, in advancing gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The event also offers an opportunity to demonstrate to the world Canada’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, its compliance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, its commitment to improve the quality of health services delivered to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples and its commitment to ensure Indigenous people have control over their health services. Let’s imagine a Canada where Indigenous communities and families are respected from the moment that their children enter the world until a time when they return to the spirit world. That’s the foundation of this country and something that all Canadians–especially the Indigenous peoples of these lands and waters—rightfully deserve. Claire Dion Fletcher is an Indigenous midwife and co-Chair of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives. The Hill Times

Indigenous midwifery, cornerstone to reconciliation

Midwives were once—and can continue to be—a cornerstone of every Indigenous community, holding an essential and deeply respected role in health and wellness.

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Indigenous midwifery, cornerstone to reconciliation

Midwives were once—and can continue to be—a cornerstone of every Indigenous community, holding an essential and deeply respected role in health and wellness.

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