Indigenous Midwives Council of BC
At the MABC, the Indigenous Midwives Council of BC (IMCBC) acknowledges the ongoing efforts by Indigenous midwives to ensure safe care for Indigenous and non-Indigenous birthing people, newborns, families and communities in British Columbia (BC).
Our council is committed to the restoration of Indigenous midwifery including reclaiming well-person care throughout the reproductive/sexual life cycle, supporting rites of passage, community leadership, returning birth back to community, and increasing the education of Indigenous midwives.
Our advocacy calls on the commitments made by British Columbia’s Declaration Action Plan and our Province’s responsibility to meeting the recommendations of the In Plain Sight Report, Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice from National Inquiry to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The MABC Reconciliation fund is a first step towards this vital work.
IMCBC Co-Chairs:
Indigenous Director:
Indigenous Projects Director: (currently on maternity leave until November 2025)
Projects Director, Indigenous Midwifery
The Strategic Plan for Indigenous Midwifery, developed by IMCBC (formerly known as IMAC) in 2022, outlines the long-term strategic goals, priorities, and action steps required to ensure Indigenous Midwifery becomes a sustainable practice.
 Indigenous Citizenship Verification Process Policy posted on June 23, 2023 |
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Why is the IMAC asking Indigenous identifying midwives to verify their citizenship?
The IMAC citizenship verification will be able to confirm that equitable supports and funds are directed to the appropriate and well-informed means for advancing Indigenous midwifery through reconciliation. Given the ongoing colonial violence of non-Indigenous peoples claiming Indigenous identity as a means to enhance personal gains such as education, career opportunities, and or financial gains the IMAC has created this verification process. This behavior of appropriating Indigenous identity is unacceptable and will not be promoted, nor tolerated. The practice of transparency will ensure families and communities throughout BC are being cared by midwives who are indeed Indigenous through their identity. Indigenous ancestry does not equate to Indigenous identity, that further extends into community relationships and lived-experience. The practice of identifying our connection to Nation, family, and ancestors is common to Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island.
The IMAC acknowledges the significant historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous identity, culture, and connection to community. A shared relationship between the community they claim and who claims them is essential to identity, accountability and support for Indigenous midwives and their communities. This shared relationship is especially essential prior to claiming opportunities and or assistance intended to reconcile the many injustices and inequities caused by historical and ongoing colonial policies and practices.
IMAC Indigenous Citizenship Statement HERE.
Please see FULL policy details HERE. |
Reconciliation Fund Payment Policy posted on June 23, 2023 |
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The Midwives Association of British Columbia (MABC) recognizes that Indigenous Midwives play an important role within Indigenous communities and that fulfilling this role requires additional time spent in non-clinical activities which are outside the normal provision of Registered Midwifery care in BC.
The MABC will provide fair and appropriate remuneration to all Indigenous Midwives, registered with the MABC, who have participated in non-clinical activities in response to their unique roles with Indigenous communities and the health care system.
NOTE: only those midwives who have been confirmed through the verification process above are eligible to apply.
Please see full policy details and how to apply HERE. |
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