Ottawa, ON – May 3, 2024. Today, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada released ‘Improving Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Service across Inuit Nunangat’. This report shares the findings from the National Inuit Midwifery Forum, co-hosted in 2023 by Pauktuutit and the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM).
As the national voice of Inuit women, Pauktuutit is leading advocacy and service support for the revitalization of Inuit midwifery. Access to midwifery must be recognized as a primary health and cultural right and Pauktuutit’s efforts should be met with clear legislative and funding commitments. We will continue to advocate for an Inuit women-led national framework for the revitalization of Inuit midwifery across Inuit Nunangat.
The report provides key insights that will aid in the development of a national framework to return Inuit cultural birthing practices to Inuit Nunangat and create environments that are safer, more welcoming, and better suited to Inuit and Inuit families.
“Access to traditional midwifery is a vital practice that we continue to call for,” says President, Nancy Etok. “Pauktuutit is disappointed in the lack of funding directed to this initiative in the recent federal budget.”
“Sexual and reproductive health are inherent and fundamental human rights. Inuit have the right to inform and lead the development of policies relevant to Inuit health and wellness.”
There is overwhelming support for strengthening Inuit midwifery education and training, as well as birthing knowledge, and customs, and for returning birthing to Inuit communities. Inuulitsivik Midwifery Service and Training Program in Nunavik is an example of what can be achieved through the reintegration of Inuit midwifery knowledge and practices.
Read the report here: www.pauktuutit.ca/midwifery
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Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is a national voice for Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit wherever they live in Canada.
For more information, please contact Catherine Whittaker at communications@pauktuutit.ca.