Algoma Public Health

Indigenous Resources

Embracing Indigenous Childbirth Traditions

Each community has its own teachings and customs about pregnancy and childbirth. Knowledge Keepers, Elders, Grandmothers, and Grandfathers, may have this information. Many pregnant people find learning about these traditions and cultural teachings comforting and helpful during pregnancy. Talk to people you trust and who make you feel comfortable, about the knowledge in your community.

Every person has their own teachings that may be unique to them; people do things differently according to their teachings. Because teachings are specific to a community and sometimes even a season, ask Knowledge Keepers in order to learn about teachings and to understand the spirit and intent of a teaching. Talk to Elders to learn about teachings and customs in your community.

Other sources of information about traditional teachings for pregnancy and parenting include:

Best Start - Beginning Journey: First Nations Pregnancy Resource

https://resources.beststart.org/product/e33a-beginning-journey-first-nations-pregnancy-book/

National Council of Aboriginal Midwives

1-514-807-3668 (choose language then press 6 in main menu)

https://indigenousmidwifery.ca/

Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children

Information for all parents, and additional support for parents who need it. Call Service

Ontario for more info: 1-800-267-8097 or www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/earlychildhood/health/index.aspx

Atuaqsijut: Following the Path Sharing Inuit Specific Ways

https://tiontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Atuaqsijut-Sharing-Inuit-Ways-Resource-for-Service-Providers.pdf