New Regent Park program provides holistic support for new Indigenous moms – CBC
Baby Bundles Program aims to cut the number of Indigenous infants in children’s aid system
Jan 08, 2019
Charleana Toney is happy to be getting a prenatal check-up from an Indigenous midwife who is not just concerned about her physical well-being and the health of her baby.
“What about cultural teachings — smudging or anything you would want to do?” the midwife asks her.
Toney, 31, wasn’t allowed to have smudging, a traditional cleansing ceremony of burning sweetgrass, sage or other sacred herbs, the last time she gave birth in a hospital.
But it’s allowed at Seventh Generation Midwives in Regent Park, where she’s now being examined.
