Midwifery & Birthing Centre Project
The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Midwifery and Birthing Centre Project is a long-term, citizen-driven initiative grounded in the vision of restoring and advancing culturally relevant, Métis-specific midwifery care in Saskatchewan.
Originally developed as a two-year research initiative, the project focused on building the knowledge, partnerships, and foundation needed to support Métis-led family health and midwifery services. Following this work, the project has secured five additional years of funding to move from research into action, including programs, services, and the future development of a Métis-led birthing centre.
Phase 1: Research and Community Voices
The first phase of the project focused on gathering the information needed to build services in a good way. This included:
- A Literature Review on Métis maternal and family health and Indigenous midwifery in Canada
- A Legislative Review of policies impacting Indigenous midwifery and Métis health sovereignty
- A Curriculum Review of midwifery education programs and training pathways
- An Environmental Scan of midwifery and birthing centres across Canada
- A Business Model and Feasibility Analysis for a Métis-led birthing centr
- A community-led Participatory Action Research project, Lii Faam di Fleur, guided by Métis mothers with lived experience
This work ensured that Métis voices, knowledge, and experiences are at the center of how future programs and services are designed.
Building on these research outcomes, the MN–S is developing a Métis-specific midwifery education and training program and is pursuing formal recognition from the Saskatchewan College of Midwives. In partnership with the College, MN–S has co-submitted a Midwifery Amendment Act. This proposed legislation seeks to formally recognize Indigenous midwifery practice and accredit community-based Indigenous midwifery education programs within the provincial regulatory system. This is a critical step toward Indigenous health sovereignty and equitable access to care.
Why Midwifery Matters
Midwifery is an inclusive family-centered model of care that supports individuals throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. It focuses on informed choice, respect, and building trusting relationships between care providers and families.
Midwives provide care that supports both physical and emotional well-being, with a focus on prevention, education, and advocacy. Midwifery is recognized as one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for parents and babies while reducing unnecessary medical interventions.
For Métis communities, midwifery is also about restoring traditional knowledge, strengthening cultural practices, and supporting self-determination in health care. Indigenous midwifery models emphasize culturally safe care that reflects values, traditions, and ways of knowing.
MN–S is working to advance this model in Saskatchewan, including developing a Métis-specific midwifery education program and supporting legislative changes that recognize Indigenous midwifery practice.
Helpful Resources
Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective – A grassroots organization supporting Indigenous breastfeeding through education, advocacy, and community-building.
First Nations Development Institute – Works to promote Indigenous food sovereignty, including breastfeeding and first foods, by supporting traditional knowledge and health initiatives.
Breastfeeding Committee for Saskatchewan – A provincial organization dedicated to promoting breastfeeding through education, advocacy, and community-based support programs.
Mom & Kids Health Saskatchewan – Provides practical breastfeeding guidance, postpartum care information, and support for new parents in Saskatchewan.
La Leche League Canada – An organization offering mother-to-mother support, evidence-based breastfeeding information, and community groups for parents.
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Phase 2: Supporting Families Today
As the project moves forward, MN–S is beginning to offer programs and supports for Métis families. Please stay tuned for more!
