Midwifery in Canada – Aboriginal Midwifery

National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM)

Legislation and Regulation:

NACM is the National Council of Aboriginal Midwives and as such, represents a “nation” without a singular legislated territory in terms of midwifery legislation and regulation. Rather, we represent a spectrum of geographies, Aboriginal backgrounds, traditions, and models of practice. We work in diverse legislative and regulatory environments across Canada in various states of recognition, implementation, and growth. The reason for our existence and the vision that binds us together is the commitment that we share as Aboriginal midwives to support each other in the greater goals of improving the standard of health of Aboriginal women and babies, “returning safe quality birthing practices back to our communities and families” and the retrieval and preservation of traditional knowledge and care. As an umbrella organization under CAM, we encourage dialogue between Aboriginal and other Canadian midwives.

Renumeration: NACM is not responsible for the direct provision of midwifery services.

Membership:

Members of the NAMC are:

Elder Aboriginal Midwives
Aboriginal Midwives
Student Aboriginal Midwives

Contact nacm@canadianmidwives.org on becoming a member.

Activities and Events:

Two major events mark the 2009-2010 fiscal year for Aboriginal midwifery:

The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM) was formed on November 11, 2009 at the third annual Aboriginal Midwives Gathering in conjunction with the CAM conference in Quebec City.
The Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) unanimously adopted resolutions which recognize the NACM as an umbrella organization under CAM. The NACM is granted status equivalent to that of a Provincial/ Territorial Midwifery Association. Members of the NACM who are not already members of CAM through their provincial or territorial midwifery association will have full CAM membership.

Aboriginal Midwifery Education

Aboriginal Midwifery Education Programs:

Aboriginal Midwifery Education Programs - The following community-based midwifery education programs combine academic study with traditional/ indigenous knowledge and pathways:

Nunavik Community Midwifery Education Program. This program is offered through maternity programs in health centres on the Hudson Bay coast in Quebec, and has graduated nine (9) Inuit midwives who are eligible for full registration in Quebec. There are currently seven (7) students in Puvirnituq, Inukjuak and Salluit. On September 24 2008, Brenda Epoo and Aileen Moorhouse were granted full licensure by l’Ordre des sages-femmes du Quebec (OSFQ) along with the new university graduates in Quebec City, QC. Brenda and Aileen took their oath in Inuktitut, and were honored by family, community representatives, OSFQ members and government officials. The Puvirnituq midwives who currently hold restricted licenses now also have the opportunity to change their status to “full” licensure.

This bold step marks, perhaps for the first time, the recognition and value of traditional pathways to learning midwifery alongside the prescribed and dominant routes to practice. It sets a precedent, not only for Nunavik, but for Northern and aboriginal communities across Canada, and perhaps the world, who wish to bring birth back to their regions. This was truly a moment for celebration!

The Kanácí Otinawáwasowin Baccalaureate Program (KOBP) at the University College of the North in Manitoba was designed for Aboriginal students. The program incorporates traditional/indigenous midwifery knowledge and culturally appropriate learning pathways along with contemporary health, social and biological sciences. Students are currently based at the UCN Campus in The Pas and the Regional Centre in Norway House Cree Nation. Graduates will be eligible for registration as midwives with the College of Midwives of Manitoba. The KOBP is internationally recognized for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in its curriculum and stands as a better practice in midwifery degree education. A second intake of 10-12 students based in Southern Manitoba is planned for January 2010.

Nunavut Midwifery Education Program. This program is offered through Arctic College and is based in the Rankin Inlet maternity program. It has graduated one (1) midwife and currently has two (2) students.

Six Nations Aboriginal Midwifery Training Program. This program is offered through the Maternal and Child Health Centre on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in southwestern Ontario.