#7 Kinship, Consent, and Clinical Care: Decolonizing Health Systems

Midwifery isn’t neutral—care itself can be colonial. What does it mean to “decolonize health care”? In this impactful and thought-provoking episode, Laverne Gervais and Candace Neumann (Ka Ni Kanichihk) challenge conventional models of care and invite us to re-imagine wellness through kinship, cultural safety, and HIV doula care. They share how Indigenous-led programs are transforming reproductive health with heart, humour, and healing—and what midwives and other health professionals can do to support that shift.  Discover how to provide care rooted in kinship, not control.

#6 Midwifery Care Beyond the Gender Binary

In this episode, we explore the experiences of nonbinary and trans clients and midwives navigating pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Host Monika Goodluck speaks with Liam Kali, a queer, nonbinary, transmasculine midwife and author of Queer Conception, who shares decades of experience in inclusive fertility care. Liam offers both practical advice and a critical look at the barriers within midwifery institutions that continue to exclude queer and trans voices. The episode also features parents Jenna Jacobs and Eby Heller, who took the Quebec government to court to affirm their identities on their children’s birth certificates. They reflect on midwifery care, gender-affirming lactation, rural realities, and the essential role of community support. The episode concludes with a poetic and deeply reflective personal essay by midwife Jenna Bly, exploring gender, embodiment, and the ethics of care. A must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of gender-inclusive midwifery.

# 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.

#4 – Ending Forced Sterilization: A Path to Justice

In this powerful 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—particularly Indigenous women. Senator Boyer, a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario and former Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Health and Wellness, brings her expertise in law, nursing, and human rights to the conversation, drawing from decades of advocacy at the intersection of Indigenous rights and health. Pambrun, a Franco-Manitoban Métis midwife and the first Indigenous President of the Canadian Association of Midwives, reflects on her 16 years of practice delivering accessible, equitable, and culturally safe care. Together, they discuss the fight for justice through Bill S250, the role of midwives in defending reproductive rights, and the healing work still needed to ensure a safer future for all.

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/

#3 -Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for midwives in Canada is evolving—bringing both opportunities and challenges. In this episode, CAM President CJ Blennerhassett reflects on how midwives are expanding into new areas of care, from abortion services to primary care roles, while also identifying persistent barriers such as provincial regulations and lack of integration in some health systems. Later, a dynamic panel featuring Dr. Liz Darling, Assistant Dean of Midwifery at McMaster University, Valérie Perrault, RM, and Jenna Bly, RM, BHSc, MA explores how midwives are advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights across Canada. From equity in access to culturally safe care, the conversation highlights growing demands and innovative practices. Finally, Rebecca Hautala, RM shares a personal reflection on what scope means to her—offering insight into how education, and advocacy shape the day-to-day realities of midwifery practice and her relationship to her community.

#2 – Care

In this episode, we explore the essence of care: What does it truly mean to care—for others, and for ourselves? We examine how midwives care for their clients while navigating the complex demands of their profession, and how they prioritize their own well-being amidst growing pressures. We also look at the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of care—its promises, its risks, and how it may change the way midwifery is practiced. Our feature interview with Dr. Sandra Mutilva, PhD, EMBA, CHE, CRM, BHSc, RM (Ret.) offers insight into innovation and leadership in midwifery. A round table discussion with Alison Humphrey, RM, BHSc, BA, and Dr. Kathrin Stoll dives into issues of burnout, caregiver fatigue, and emerging models of sustainable, client-centered care. The episode concludes with Your Word, featuring Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook, reflecting on Indigenous knowledge and the enduring power of connection.

#1 – Health Equity & Access

How does ethnicity influence health outcomes for both those giving and receiving care? In this powerful episode, we examine the impact of racism on healthcare providers who identify as Indigenous, Black, or people of colour (IBPOC), focusing specifically on midwifery in Ontario. Our feature interview with Faduma Gure, MSc, explores how systemic inequities shape the experiences of midwives and their clients, and what it means to advocate for justice from within the system. We then turn to a rich round table discussion featuring Manavi Handa, RM, MHSc, BHSc, and Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Shezeen Suleman, RM. Together, they address health equity through the lens of newcomer populations, clients with precarious immigration status, and barriers to accessing culturally safe care. This episode asks tough questions—and amplifies the voices of those working on the frontlines to dismantle racial and structural inequities in reproductive health.

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