Responsible Representation and Collaboration in Supporting Indigenous Maternal Health in Canada

Abstract

Honouring the sacredness of pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period has long been held as integral to the strength and celebration of Indigenous families and communities in Canada. Although the impacts of oppressive settler colonial systems have strained the connection to and practice of traditional approaches to these reproductive life stages, there are immense efforts under way by Indigenous midwives and women and birthing parents to restore and reclaim what had been lost. With an awareness of historical and current conditions of Indigenous maternal health, I explored how to best situate myself as a white settler anthropology researcher and maternal health practitioner, and how to support Indigenous maternal health in an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe manner.

Over the course of my research, I had the honour of interviewing a number of highly respected Indigenous scholars, midwives, and community leaders across Canada to seek their guidance and insights about how I can responsibly represent and partner with Indigenous midwives and women and birthing parents, as well as the role and extent of the impact of having shared identity in the provision of culturally safe care. With honest self-knowledge of being a settler Canadian, critical understanding of how settler colonial systems and structures continue to harm and disenfranchise Indigenous women and birthing parents, and a commitment to equal, respectful relationships, there is the potential for robust, healthy partnerships with Indigenous practitioners to champion Indigenous maternal health in Canada.