Indigenous Birth Workers

Indigenous Birth of Alberta (IBA) recognizes the need to have culturally inclusive practices in reproductive health, birth preparation, postpartum care, and parenthood. IBA recognizes that the child is at the center of the community and the importance of nurturing the life givers.

Programs and Services include

• Midwifery care

• Culturally sensitive childbirth preparation

• Doula/Auntie support

• Womb Medicine & Healing

• Postpartum support

• Traditional swaddling

• Chest/Breastfeeding & Safe Infant Feeding Support

• Culturally sensitive counseling

Indigenous Birth Alberta

Land Acknowledgement

An important step in reconciliation is the acknowledgment of traditional treaty land and recognition for people of the territory.

TREATY 6

The Doula Association of Alberta acknowledges Treaty 6 territory—the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

TREATY 7

The Doula Association of Alberta acknowledges Treaty 7 territory—the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nation. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

TREATY 8

The Doula Association of Alberta acknowledges Treaty 8 territory—the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, as well as the Métis. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

Birth Protectors

Someone who protects the sacred space in the birthing room, so that our future generation comes to Mother Earth in an honourable way; someone who protects our little ones from being apprehended and put into the foster system based on racist policies and racial stereotypes, by advocating for them and their families; someone who protects and honours the traditions and cultural customs of the birthing person and their family; someone who protects the family unit's autonomy in birth, by providing knowledge so that they may make empowered decisions that work best for them.

Birth Protectors guide birthing people to a sacred space spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. It is their job to protect them and their family, in that sacred space. We mother them, aunty them, love them, in that sacred space. In that sacred space that birthing people travel to, we as Birth Protectors, ensure that they feel safe, protected, heard and loved, while they bring their little one(s) earth side. This important role in a little one’s birthing journey is a heartfelt honour.