Reclaiming
Indigenous Birth
Building Evidence to return birth
to Indigenous communities
Birth is a sacred ceremony. For generations, Indigenous Peoples in Canada have held rich knowledge and practices that support healthy pregnancy, birth, and thriving communities.
Colonial policies disrupted Indigenous midwifery and continue to require many pregnant people in rural and remote communities to leave home weeks before birth. This separation impacts families, culture, language, and wellbeing.
The Questions We're Answering
Comparing Obstetric evacuation with Indigenous Midwifery Care
Through our research efforts, we are examining the costs and outcomes of the colonial practice of obstetric evacuation and the social-cultural benefits of Indigenous midwifery. To implement optimal perinatal care for Indigenous people, Indigenous midwives in Canada seek evidence to answer the following questions:
Obstetric evacuation:
What is the evidence about the costs of travel for birth for First Nation, Métis, Inuit and/or Indigenous birthing persons in Canada and globally?
Indigenous midwifery:
What is the evidence about Indigenous midwifery models of care that are led by, and designed for, Indigenous people in Canada?
Research Partners
Obstetric Evacuation
Removed from home
- Family separation
- High financial cost
- Cultural disruption
- Stress & uncertainty
- Time away from family & community
Indigenous Midwifery
Care close to home
- Family and community together
- Cost-effective
- Sustainable, safe care
- Stronger outcomes
- Rooted in continuity & connection
Our Methodology
Costs of travel for birth
Data from Indigenous Services Canada
Economic Modelling
Comparing direct & indirect costs
Perinatal Health Data
Analyzing birth outcomes in Ontario
Research Gatherings
Researchers assembling to share what they know
Digital storytelling
Indigenous birthing persons and midwives share their experiences
Knowledge translation
Reports and recommendations