Kerry Bebee, Co-chair of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives, accepted an award on behalf of Mrs. Marguerite Wabano, an elder Cree Midwife who turned 109 years of age last January. This award was given by the AOM’s Executive Director, Kelly Stadelbauer, during the Association of Ontario Midwives Annual Conference which took place from May 6th-8th 2013. During this event, Kerry acknowledged Mrs. Wabano’s contribution to midwifery. For many years, Mrs. Wabano served the Mushkego women and families, by attending births all along the Coast.
Our Mission
The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM) exists to promote excellence in reproductive health care for Inuit, First Nations, and Metis women. We advocate for the restoration of midwifery education, the provision of midwifery services, and choice of birthplace for all Aboriginal communities, consistent with the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As active members of the Canadian Association of Midwives, we represent the professional development and practice needs of Aboriginal midwives to the responsible health authorities in Canada and the global community.
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Event
Friday, November 08th, 2013
The next Gathering will take place in Ottawa, Ontario from November 8th to 10th 2013. We are looking forward to this time for reconnecting and sharing with one another. It will also be a time to reflect on the amazing work of the past year, and vision next steps for NACM's future. This event is open to all Aboriginal midwives and Aboriginal midwifery students. For more information, contact nacm@canadianmidwives.org.
Birth story
I will never forget the story of one young urban Aboriginal mother who reported that her grandmother had attended her hospital birth in a major Canadian city. In the quiet moments of the woman’s labor when hospital staff were absent from her side, her grandmother guided her through her unmedicated birth using song, touch, and herb tea.