Iewirokwas Midwifery Heroes 2019
Please join us at 7:00pm February 7, 2019 at the Toronto Birth Centre
525 Dundas Street East 2nd Floor, as we celebrate our Heroes.
525 Dundas Street East 2nd Floor, as we celebrate our Heroes.
Laurie Jacobs belongs to the Tuscarora Nation, Bear Clan and lives on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
She trained with traditional teachers and Aboriginal Midwives prior to graduating from Aboriginal Midwifery Training Program in 2001. Laurie devoted years and enormous commitment as part of the vital grass roots movement to bring birth back to Indigenous communities, where birth is recognized as a sacred and integrated part of daily life. Using skills, teachings and dedication to her community, Laurie was amongst those instrumental in the establishment of the Six Nations Tsi Nonet Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta, (a place where they will be born/a birthing place), Ontario’s very first birth centre. This remarkable accomplishment continues as a vital part of community health. She is fully integrated into reproductive health in Six Nations and works there with women in all seasons of their life cycles, from infancy to menopause, interweaving traditional and western knowledge throughout, doing essential work within her community. Laurie embodies the description from the Association of Ontario Midwives: “An Aboriginal Midwife is a keeper of ceremonies for young people like puberty rites. She is a leader and mentor, someone who passes on important values about health to the next generation.” |
Rachel Dennis Couchie is a member of Nipissing First Nation with deep roots in Toronto’s Indigenous community. She credits this connection with providing a broader understanding of the multiple positive outcomes associated with care by Indigenous people.
Rachel graduated from Ryerson Midwifery 2012. She trained at Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto, an Indigenous focused midwifery practice, working there after graduating gaining skills and experience. Passionate about bringing birth back to Indigenous communities, Rachel and her partner left Toronto and joined her Midwife-Mother, Carol Couchie, in opening K’Tigaaning Midwives in 2013 in Powassan, then moving their Main location to their home community of Nipissing First Nation in November 2016. Rachel’s remarkable organizational skills established the practice, set up the multiple systems needed, and she continues to maintain the day to day administration of the practice. Katsi Cook, Elder Aboriginal Midwife says: “How I love Rachel Couchie! I'm so proud of this Nippissing mother-daughter midwifery practice, modelling the inter-generational quality of Aboriginal midwifery. Rachel and her mother Carol have also both supported the American Horse - Afraid of Bear Family Sundance for many years.” By modelling Indigenous culture and wisdom in Midwifery care, Rachel brings health, wellness, promise and continuity to her community. |