On the path to reclaiming Indigenous midwifery: Co-creating the Maternal Infant Support Worker pilot program

Objective

The aim of the Maternal Infant Support Worker (MiSW) pilot program was to implement a virtual training program for lay maternal–infant health providers in remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Methods

The MiSW pilot program was administered jointly by a community college and a university and consisted of a 20‐week virtual course followed by a 9‐month mentored work placement in the community.

Results

The MiSW pilot program was delivered successfully; 11 of 13 participants received a certificate from a community college. MiSWs provided culturally and linguistically appropriate care to women, infants, and families in their respective communities. MiSWs provided doula support in their communities—a first for our region since the policy of forced evacuation for birth was implemented. MiSWs developed a community of practice for ongoing education, as well as to support each other in their work.

Conclusion

The MiSW pilot program demonstrated that it is possible to provide a virtual training program and then provide continued virtual mentorship as the participants work in their First Nations communities. By prioritizing Indigenous voices above those of the research team, we were able to gain the trust of the MiSWs and maintain engagement with communities.

The Maternal Infant Support Worker pilot program successfully implemented a virtual training program for lay maternal–infant workers living in remote communities.

Rejecting, revitalizing, and reclaiming: First Nations work to set the direction of research and policy development

BACKGROUND

The history and legacy of Western, colonial research methodologies and policy frameworks continue to create and maintain dichotomies of superior/inferior, and valued/not valued between Western and First Nations cultures, peoples and knowledge.

METHODS

This article was written to awaken discussion on how First Nations are working to shape the direction of research and policy development. It draws upon the author's personal observations and experiences of Western and Indigenous frameworks. The author also draws upon the growing body of work on this issue presented by indigenous researchers and scholars.

FINDINGS

The Health Information Research Committee of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs rejects colonial research frameworks and promotes and supports culturally-respectful research. The Dakota in Manitoba are identifying our own Quality of Life indicators and developing policies based on our own cultural values. The Mohawk of Akwesasne have developed research ethics and protocols based on their cultural principles of skennen (peace), kariwiio (good word), and kasastensera (strength).

CONCLUSION

First Nations people in Canada and the world are increasingly rejecting Western, colonial frameworks of research and policy development. Instead, we are reclaiming our right to be who we are, and we are revitalizing our cultures through promotion and utilization of indigenous research methodologies and development of culturally-rooted policy. Though the response of researchers and policy-makers is not yet known, these developments will continue into the future due to the commitment and work of First Nations people.