National Aboriginal Health Organization E-Bulletin

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1 In this issue... pg.1 Supporting midwives: Important caregivers in the North By the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre pg.2 The Role of Métis Women in the Transmission of Traditional Knowledge By the Métis Centre pg.3 Jidwah:doh documentary has been selected for screening as part of the imaginenative Film and Media Arts Festival pg.4 First Nations Midwifery Advisory Circle By the First Nations Centre pg.5 How to find what you re looking for on the Canadian Health Network (CHN) Supporting midwives: important caregivers in the North By the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre Imagine a day when most Inuit women can give birth in their home Right now, many expectant mothers in the Arctic have to travel to larger centres or to southern Canada to give birth because the necessary health services don t exist in their own community or region. Many new mothers want to have their baby in their own community near family and friends, not in a hospital far away. Inuit midwives and birthing centres in the North are helping to make that happen. Birthing centres like those in Inukjuak, Salluit and Puvirnituq in Nunavik and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, are allowing women to stay in their community to give birth. Midwives are well respected and highly skilled, providing a wonderful service to women and families in the North. The Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre has made important connections with Inuit midwives and maternity care workers over the past two years. Several midwives from Nunavik attended the Aboriginal Women and Girls Health Roundtable in Ottawa in April 2005, hosted by the. There, they told the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre that there was a real need for midwives across the Arctic to have a strong support network. Seeing the possibilities, the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre jumped onboard to help midwives connect with colleagues in other Inuit regions, and provide them with information and resources on midwifery, infant care and other issues. The result: a virtual information-sharing network, called Irnisuksiiniq-Inuit Midwifery Network. It uses many forms of telecommunications to keep participants connected, from teleconference to fax to an listserve and an information Web site ( Aboriginal Health (NAHO) has planned a

The Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre believes the Irnisuksiiniq-Inuit Midwifery Network is an ideal way to: Provide midwives and maternity care workers with up-to-date resources and the latest research on

related to their field Assist midwives and maternity care workers to share their stories and experiences with other professionals.

2 The Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre believes the Irnisuksiiniq-Inuit Midwifery Network is an ideal way to: Provide midwives and maternity care workers with up-to-date resources and the latest research on the midwifery field Connect Inuit midwives in remote communities to midwives working in other Inuit regions Inform midwives and maternity care workers of upcoming gatherings, training, and events related to their field Assist midwives and maternity care workers to share their stories and experiences with other professionals. The Irnisuksiiniq-Inuit Midwifery Network s Web site went online in spring 2006 and now boasts a site rich with resources. Currently in English and French, the Web site will be online in Inuktitut in late fall. The Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre encourages midwives, maternity care workers and others with an interest in advancing midwifery to join the network by ing us at inuitmidwifery@naho.ca The Role of Métis Women in the Transmission of Traditional Knowledge By the Métis Centre Métis women have historically played a significant role in their communities, however, the influences of colonization have often negatively redefined those roles. These changes have impacted Métis women s role as individuals and in their own families, as well as how others perceive them. During the 19th Century, Métis women contributed to the strength of their community in unprecedented ways. The place they occupied led to a matrilineal Métis system and a model for community organization. Assimilation worked to dismantle this Métis community organization and increasing colonization left Métis women in the shadows for a good portion of the 20th century. Communities that were once familiar with women having lead roles in co-ordination with men the effects of assimilation leading to the destruction of traditional community ties to women. Even though major changes have occurred during the past century, Métis women have maintained their strength over the years through the knowledge and beliefs they have collected from all maternal ancestors. Aboriginal Health (NAHO) has planned a

3 Bonds between women and their communities have been tested over time, affected by colonization, economic hardships, political inequities and social marginalization. Métis women s connections to land, water, medicines, knowledge and customs stayed consistent throughout these tests. Transmission of the traditional knowledge shared between Métis women is integral to Métis identity and, unfortunately, its importance is often under-emphasized. Increasing of the transmission of traditional knowledge between Métis women builds pride and a stronger sense of identity that is best reflected in the development of younger generations. Community Involvement All members of a Métis community rely on the knowledge of Métis women. Both rural and urban Métis communities own a body of knowledge that is unique to their community, yet representative of an identity that is broadly Métis. Land, language, place, community, spirituality and medicines are connected to women in different ways than to men. For Métis women, community connectedness links all of these aspects together. Therefore, community consultation is key to the transmission of Traditional Knowledge. Métis women and elders hold a great deal of practical and procedural knowledge, especially in terms of women s health issues. Specific issues, such as birthing procedures, midwifery, menstruation and childcare, as well as broader issues dealing with family, community and social values, education, communication, nutrition, and water and spirituality are all areas of expertise for many women and elders. For the people in the community, women are the key to health and to addressing illnesses. Their role(s) as mothers and grandmothers extends beyond their own family and they have been continually respected as the leaders in Métis community health. Barkwell, Lawrence, Leah Dorian and Darren Prefontaine, Métis Legacy, Pemmican: Winnipeg, 2001: 15 Barkwell: 15 Barkwell: 15 Bartlett, Judith, Developing Indicators and Measures of Well-Being for Métis Women in Manitoba Master of Science Thesis, Winnipeg: University of Manitoba: 2004: 106 Barkwell: 15 Mitchell: 36 Jidwah:doh documentary has been selected for screening as part of the imaginenative Film and Media Arts Festival Jidwa:doh: Let's Become Again, Indigenous Elders Summit 2004 is a 50-minute DVD directed by Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill on behalf of the Indigenous Elders and Youth Council. It records the events that took place during the Indigenous Elders Summit held at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Elders from throughout the hemisphere joined together at this historic event to discuss ways to heal Indigenous nations from historical trauma and to provide direction for action in response to social and health concerns. Elders speaking in this DVD include: Tom Porter (Mohawk); Chief Arvol Looking Horse (Lakota); Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart (Lakota); Leon Secetaro (Navajo); Elizabeth Penashue (Innu); Renie Jobin (Lubicon Cree); and Luciano Mutumbajoy (Union of Yagé Healers, Colombia). All stress the importance of retaining and employing Indigenous knowledge in all aspects of healing. The imaginenative Film and Media Arts Festival is an annual four-day international festival held in downtown Toronto, which Aboriginal Health (NAHO) has planned a

National Aboriginal Health National Aboriginal Health October October 2006 2006 showcases the latest works by established and emerging Aboriginal artists on the forefront of innovation in film,

4 National Aboriginal Health National Aboriginal Health October October showcases the latest works by established and emerging Aboriginal artists on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media. Each fall the festival presents a selection of the most compelling and distinctive Indigenous works from around the globe. The 7th Annual imaginenative Film and Media Arts Festival is taking place from October 18 to 22. NAHO is proud to have provided support to the successful hosting of the International Indigenous Elders Summit and to the Indigenous Elders and Youth Council. We congratulate the IEYC and Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill on being selected to participate in this year s festival. For further information about events and screening venues visit First Nations Midwifery Advisory Circle The development of a First Nations Midwifery Advisory Circle (FNMAC) came from outcomes and recommendations of the Aboriginal Women and Girls Health Roundtable (AWGHR), co-hosted by First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and the (NAHO) in April The event provided an opportunity to identify next steps on how Aboriginal women can reclaim their role in the birthing of their children as a critical element to wellness. The establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Circle on Midwifery was recommended as a way to guide FNIHB in supporting Aboriginal women to return safe birthing to their A one-day meeting was held at the NAHO office in Ottawa on March 27, 2006 to develop draft terms of reference and a draft governance structure for the Midwifery Advisory Circle, which was initially intended to incorporate First Nations and Inuit representatives. It was subsequently decided that First Nations and Inuit advisory circles should be established separately to reflect the distinct and unique aspirations and experiences of these respective groups. This approach is aligned with First Nations leaders rejection of pan-aboriginal approaches, clearly stated in Resolution 104/04, carried at the December 2004 Special Chiefs Assembly. A critical determinant of improved First Nations maternal and child health to which midwifery can contribute is the selfdetermination of First Nations women, their families and their First Nations jurisdiction in the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of their membership emanates from inherent Aboriginal and Treaty Rights recognized in the Canadian Constitution and by-law making authorities under the Indian Act. The FNMAC is mandated to facilitate information exchange and dialogue on midwifery. More specifically, the FNMAC will: identify priorities in restoring and advancing the interests of First Nations midwifery; develop a collaborative strategy among all relevant jurisdictions, including First Nations governments, to support these priorities and guide FNIHB in decisionmaking and in deliberations with the provinces and territories on matters related to the promotion of midwifery. Aboriginal Health (NAHO) has planned a

5 How to find what you re looking for on the Canadian Health Network (CHN) Got health questions? We ve got answers! Do you need information about the health issues that affect Aboriginal women, men, girls and boys throughout their lives? You ve come to the right place because at the CHN you ll find resources on a broad range of issues, including parenting, healthy eating, violence prevention, sexuality, and much more. The CHN is easy to use, fun to explore and you ll find tons of healthy living information. 1. Guided Search: To browse the resources on a topic, start at the CHN homepage and select Aboriginal Peoples on the left. The Aboriginal Peoples Health Centre will appear on your screen. Then, click the link Guided Search to explore all of the resources in the Aboriginal Peoples Health Centre. To narrow down your search, choose from the options presented on the right, by topic or by group. Results come up alphabetically but can also be sorted by date or organization. If you select Women for example, you would get resources such as: Facts on Aboriginal women's health Presents statistics related to the health of Aboriginal women, including life expectancy, chronic illness, and smoking. Identifies barriers to Aboriginal women's health. Link requires PDF reader. Source: Vancouver Women's Health Collective Midwifery and Aboriginal midwifery in Canada Examines the history of midwifery in both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal Outlines the paths to becoming a midwife as well as related issues about recognition and accreditation. Link requires PDF reader. Source: (NAHO). The Inuit way: A guide to Inuit culture Provides an introduction to traditional and modern Inuit culture. Covers topics such as childrearing, family and community dynamics, traditional Inuit values, and diet. Link requires PDF reader. Source: Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. 2. If you go back to the Aboriginal Peoples Health Centre, you can also choose an already-packaged Quick Search. For example, Residential Schools will give resources such as: Aboriginal children: the healing power of cultural identity Predicts the positive results of fostering a sense of cultural identity. Emphasizes the importance of program development taking place within the actual Aboriginal Lists ways in which parents, caregivers, and health practitioners can provide related support to Aboriginal children. Source: Canadian Health Network (CHN) From: Partner feature of the month: archives. 3. A Z List Subject Index: The A-Z Subject Index gives you quick access to hundreds of topics. Just click on the first letter of the topic you want. Here s a sample of a few of the A-Z health topics available on CHN: abusers (violence); adolescent health; aging injury prevention; insulin; IUD self esteem; sexuality; smoking 4. Keyword Search: Use the top menu SEARCH link for easy keyword search. You can search for any number of words or phrases that appear anywhere in CHN descriptions of resources. If you type in the phrase Aboriginal women and select the exact phrase search option, the keyword search will find resources containing that exact phrase. 5. Don t forget to also check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at chn-questions-rcs@naho.ca Aboriginal Health (NAHO) has planned a

Implementing SDG 3: Revitalization of Indigenous Midwifery in Canada to Address Maternal and Child Health and Well-being

Implementing SDG 3: Revitalization of Indigenous Midwifery in Canada to Address Maternal and Child Health and Well-being Sarah Wood, Master s in Development Practice Student, University of Winnipeg Introduction: