Midwifery in Nunavut needs better recognition, viable training program – Nunatsiaq News
Recently departed Nunavut midwives faced racism and a lack of support, says former colleague
11 August 2020
A national association for Indigenous midwives says midwives and birthing centres in Nunavut need better support and funding if they’re to remain sustainable.
The birthing centre in Rankin Inlet recently closed. The Government of Nunavut said last week that prenatal care and birthing services for expectant mothers in the Kivalliq region have been temporarily suspended due to staffing shortages.
The recent departure of the centre’s two Inuit midwives, Catherine Connelly and Rachel Jones, prompted the closure. Both declined to speak to Nunatsiaq News but referred the newspaper to the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives.
