Funding outcome

Indigenous communities across the Arctic, including Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and S疳mi, have long supported birth through local, community-led practices grounded in traditional knowledge and care on the land. These approaches supported the health of mothers, babies, and families. However, colonial policies and centralized healthcare systems have disrupted these practices. Today, many Indigenous women must leave their communities to give birth in southern hospitals. This can separate them from their families and culture and can lead to poorer health outcomes. Despite this, many communities continue to support strong, culturally grounded birthing practices. These approaches show that safe, community-based care is possible, but they are not always well known across regions. This project brings together knowledge from across the Arctic to understand what is working and how it can be strengthened. This doctoral research will be developed in partnership with Inuk Elder Rassi Nashalik of the Northwest Territories Network Environment Health Research (NT NEIHR) and the Circumpolar Maternal and Child Health Working Group, which includes Indigenous midwives, birthworkers, Elders, and researchers from across the Arctic. The project will review existing knowledge and work closely with communities to guide the next steps. An advisory group led by Elder Nashalik will help ensure the research reflects community priorities. The results will include research papers and community-friendly resources. The goal is to support stronger, culturally safe care and help make birth closer to home possible.