Episode 5 – The Colour of Birth Project: Uncovering the Hidden History of Black Midwifery in Canada

Join us as we explore The Colour of Birth project with Dr. Karline Wilson-Mitchell, a leading advocate for Black midwives in Canada. Through rich historical research and personal narratives, she shares the hidden stories of Black midwives who helped shape Canadian healthcare—from those who arrived via the Underground Railroad to those who faced systemic barriers in the 20th century. Dr. Wilson-Mitchell also discusses the challenges Black midwives face today, from barriers to entering the profession to the emotional labour of mentorship. How do we ensure the next generation of midwives are supported? What role does advocacy play in addressing racial disparities in maternal care? Explore and celebrate the resilience, activism, and lasting impact of Black midwifery.

• Dr Karline Wilson Mitchell Karline Wilson-Mitchell is a passionate advocate for reproductive justice, shaping midwifery education, practice, and global partnerships. Since 1992, her clinical work has spanned the U.S., Canada, and the Global South, including Jamaica, Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, and South Sudan. Her research focuses on diversifying the midwifery workforce and fostering equitable, inclusive work environments. In 2017, she co-launched the MEP mentorship program with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Student Collective to support career trajectories and academic success. She also founded the Canadian Midwives of Colour History Project. Karline collaborates on international research projects and consults on midwifery leadership and respectful maternity care globally.

Episode 4 – Ending Forced Sterilization: A Path to Justice

Episode Description In this powerful and impactful episode, host Monika Goodluck is joined by Senator Yvonne Boyer and Métis midwife Nathalie Pambrun to address one of Canada’s most harrowing healthcare injustices: the coerced and forced sterilization of women—a practice that disproportionately affects Indigenous women and their communities’ ability to survive. Together, they delve into the fight for justice through Bill S250, the efforts of survivors and allies to criminalize forced sterilization, and the vital role both Indigenous and non-Indigenous midwives can play in safeguarding the safety and dignity of their clients. This emotional and enlightening conversation reflects on the past, confronts hard truths, and explores pathways toward healing and justice. Don’t miss this critical discussion about acknowledging harm, advocating for change, and the work needed to ensure a safer future for all.

Guests:

• Senator Yvonne Boyer Senator Boyer, a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario with ancestral roots in the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Red River, has an extensive background in nursing, law, and Indigenous health. She practiced law for over 21 years, focusing on the intersection of Aboriginal rights, treaty law, and health, and has held academic roles, including as a Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Health and Wellness. A former Canadian Human Rights Commissioner, she has served on numerous boards, including Save the Children Canada, and is a holographic narrator at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
• Nathalie Pambrun, Nathalie Pambrun, a Franco-Manitoban Métis midwife who has practiced midwifery for 16 years across Canada and internationally, focusing on accessible, equitable, and culturally safe care. They are the first Indigenous President of the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and have served on the CAM Board for over nine years. Nathalie has fostered partnerships that promote self-determination and reciprocity in midwifery. They recently joined the Board of Grand Challenges Canada with a cross-appointment to the Indigenous Innovation Council.

For more information: 

• https://www.reproductivejusticesurvivors.ca/ 
• https://indigenousmidwifery.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PS-ForcedSter.pdf
• https://cssspnql.com/en/produit/free-and-informed-consent-and-imposed-sterilizations-among-first-nations-and-inuit-women-in-quebec/
• https://sterilisationsimposees.cssspnql.com/?lang=en

To communicate your support to the sponsor of Bill S-250 in the House of Commons:

Honourable Jamie Schmale, MP,https://jamieschmale.ca/contact/

Senator Yvonne  Boyer  https://senatorboyer.ca/contact/

Episode 3 -Scope of Practice

Episode Description: How is the scope of practice for midwives in Canada changing, and what are the impacts. CAM President CJ Blennherhasset discusses where midwives are making strides, and where are we hitting roadblocks? Later, a panel delves into the expanding role of midwives in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Feature interview:  CJ Blennerhassett, RM, MHA, CHE and President of the Canadian Association of Midwives

Round table: Dr. Liz Darling, RM, PhD, Assistant Dean, Midwifery at McMaster University, Valérie Perrault, RM and Jenna Bly, RM, BHSc, MA

Your Word: Rebecca Hautala, RM

Episode 2 – Care

Episode Description: In this episode we discuss the essence of care: how do midwives care for themselves and their clients? We explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming how care is delivered and speak with a panel of midwives about burnout, caregiver self-care, and innovative care models

Feature interview:  Dr. Sandra Mutilva, PhD., EMBA, CHE, CRM, BHSc, RM(Ret)

Round table: BA; Alison Humphrey, RM, BHSc, BA, Dr. Kathrin Stoll

Your Word: Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook (Wolf Clan Mohawk), founding Indigenous Midwife of the Tsi Non:we lonnakeratstha Ona:granhsta on Six Nations of the Grand River

Episode 1 – Health Equity & Access

Episode Description: How does ethnicity impact health outcomes for both health care givers and receivers of care? In this episode we explore the experiences of racism among health care providers who are Indigenous, Black, or people of color (IBPOC), specifically within the context of midwifery in Ontario. A panel discussion on health equity, focusing on newcomer populations and clients with precarious immigration status follows.

Feature interview: Faduma Gure, MSc

Round table: Manavi Handa, RM, MHSc, BHSc and Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Shezeen Suleman, RM