Indigenous Reproductive Health

When it comes to Indigenous reproductive health in Canada, there are stories of survival and thrival. Indigenous women and two-spirit Peoples in particular have faced extreme barriers to healthcare — from violence and traumas in Indian Hospitals and residential schools causing mistrust and racism to lack of culturally-appropriate support and services.

Despite the challenges, people have continuously fought for their families, their lives and their reproductive rights. This closer dive into access to care and stories of resurgence will run throughout the month of November, 2020, closing off with an online event with partners, supporters and community, to discuss more fully our findings and impact.

Birth alerts may bring class action suit.

Potential for class action as a result of ‘illegal and unconstitutional’ birth alerts say B.C. lawyers

By Brielle Morgan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● January 14, 2021

Cindy Blackstock and lawyers imagine next steps for families impacted by birth alerts after internal documents reveal government warned of litigation risk.

Birth Alert investigation: Indigenous families are grossly overrepresented in birth alerts in B.C. Photo of reporter Anna McKenzie and her daughter taken by Captured Memories Photography.

EXCLUSIVE: B.C. ministry warned birth alerts ‘illegal and unconstitutional’ months before banning them

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Bayleigh Marelj, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter & Brielle Morgan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● January 12, 2021

Government ‘trampling on the fundamental and human rights of Indigenous families,’ says former children’s rep.

Danielle Meise talks pregnancy

A mother’s search for pregnancy support finds One Sky in south Okanagan

By ᐋᐧᐸᓇᒐᐦᑯᐢᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ Chehala Leonard ● Okanagan ● December 17, 2020

After moving to Penticton with a baby on the way Danielle Meise shares challenges, and resourceful programs.

Baby Boards

Syilx boards cradle babies in ‘presence of generations of ancestors’

By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● December 13, 2020

Greg Barry keeps the practice of her family alive with her baby board business

Two K’omoks mothers contemplate how to celebrate their babies’ tenth moon Hiługwila ceremony during COVID-19

By Odette Auger, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● December 5, 2020

How are coastal families dealing with the ongoing pandemic? | Part Two

Indigenous birth knowledge fills massive gaps in healthcare, but needs support

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● December 4, 2020

Co-founder of Indigenous doula collective says Indigenous birth workers need to be “supported and not exploited.”