What is a Midwife?

What Is a Midwife?

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who supports people through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum—but for many Indigenous communities in Canada, a midwife is much more than a care provider. Midwifery is a sacred practice, deeply rooted in culture, ceremony, and ancestral knowledge.

Indigenous Midwifery: Reviving a Sacred Tradition

Before colonization, Indigenous midwives were the heart of community birth. They carried generations of wisdom and played vital roles as healers, mentors, and protectors of life. Today, Indigenous midwives are reclaiming these traditions, providing culturally safe, community-based care that reflects the values and identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families.