Spirit of Birth with Rebeka Tabobondung

Anishinaabe mother Rebeka Tabobondung’s intimate docuseries “Spirit of Birth” explores the resurgence in Indigenous birth practices across Turtle Island. It is now streaming on APTN Lumi.  In this episode, Rebeka shares the important role that Indigenous midwives played in First Nations communities before colonization; why Indigenous-led midwifery practices and training programs are so important; and how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous health providers are collaborating to incorporate traditional birth practices and create culturally safe spaces for our families. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7wrt9be8vhpga5pp/2025-08-27_Spirit_of_Birth_Tabobondung_Transcript_FINAL.pdf

Music:  Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin/Chippewa Travellers, and Soft Spoken by Jacob Hoskins, Licenced by Nagamo Publishing.

Links and Resources: "Spirit of Birth" eight-part series on APTN Lumi

https://aptnlumi.ca/details?assetId=13291501&assetType=621&intent=info&seriesId=1186706057359742-1

Rebeka Tabobondung's original "Spirit of Birth" short documentary

https://muskratmagazine.com/muskrat-presents-spirit-of-birth-a-short-doc-restoring-indigenous-birth-practices/

National Council of Indigenous Midwives

https://indigenousmidwifery.ca/

Association of Ontario Midwives

https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/indigenous-midwifery

Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto

https://www.sgmt.ca/

Tsi Nón:we Ionnakerátstha (Birthing Centre), Six Nations of the Grand River

https://www.snhs.ca/child-youth-health/birthing-centre/

K'Tigaaning Midwives, Nipissing First Nation

http://ktigaaningmidwives.com/

Eeyou Istchee Pimaatisiiwin Chiskutimaachawin (EIPC) Utinaausuwin (Midwifery) Training Program

https://www.creehealth.org/about-us/departments/pimuhteheu/midwifery-education-program

‘A sacred experience’: Indigenous midwives revive birthing traditions to deliver babies at home

https://midwiferymasters.mcmaster.ca/3651-2/

Kehewin Cree Nation brings traditional birthing back to community

https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kehewin-birthing-midwifery-program-1.7523188

Birth Alerts - First Nations Child and Family Caring Society

https://fncaringsociety.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/AAE_BirthAlerts_Final.pdf

 

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