The BCAAFC was honoured to host the Indigenous Birthworkers Forum with BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs (BCAPOP) on February 23! Massive thanks to our Advisory Group for overseeing and guiding the delivery of the Indigenous Birthworkers Forum.
The forum included presentations and trainings to support inclusivity, maintain integrity and honour the health, wellbeing and safety of Indigenous birthers and families. 70 Indigenous birthworkers attended the forum.
Indigenous doulas from the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program shared the values they bring to birthwork in this video for the forum.
Siyothlewot (Brooke Bobb-Reid): Seabird Island (Sto:lo Territory) and Sts’ailes Auntie (Kwiyo:s), Birth Doula, Traditional Birth Keeper, Maternal Child Health Lead.
Nicole Williams: From Nlaka’pamux’, living in Secwepemc territory. Mother, DONA certified birth/postpartum Doula, and Team Leader of Early Years Wellnessteam. Breastfeeding assistant.
Iris Jules: Elder from Adams Lake Indian Band I have assisted with all my daughters and a couple of my nieces with birthing. I have been taught this from my Grandmother and Mother in-law as well as other elderly woman. Also, traditional birthing and preparation of after birth ceremony.
Jacqueline Snelling-Welsh: Mixed Ojibwe and European living in Lekwunken traditional and unceded Territory. I’m a Mother, Doula, Birthing From Within Mentor and the DAFGP Coordinator for BCAAFC.
Redwillow Dawn Morningstar Peters: I am from the Xat’sull (soda creek) First Nations band in the unceded, unsurended Secwépemc Territory. I am a birth and postpartum doula birth keeper within our communities; Breastfeeding lactation assistant as well as an Aboriginal infant development consultant.
Jackie Jack: Nuu-Chah-Nulth. Birth, Post Partum & End of Life Doula. I have been supporting families since I was 16 in various ways.
Roxanne Mierau: Sayisi Dene, Tadoule Lake Manitoba. Tready 5 territory. Mother, Matriarch, Auntie, Sister, Birth Doula, Health and Wellness Counsellor at Urban Native Youth Association.
Pass the feather!
**Please note: We do not own the rights to this music. The music belongs to its respective owners. Songs: Electric Pow Wow Drum by A Tribe Called Red and Hoppípolla by Sigur R**
