Over 100 midwives and supporters celebrated 25 years of the profession’s regulation in Manitoba at Marshall McLuhan Hall on June 12.
Hosted by UM’s bachelor of midwifery program at the College of Nursing, along with the Midwives Association of Manitoba, Women’s Health Clinic, and College of Midwives of Manitoba, the event was in honour of the anniversary of the proclamation of the midwifery act in 2000.
“Twenty-five years ago, we initiated a model of care that centres on women, supports family and reinforces community health from the very beginning, when the baby is born,” said Fleur McEvoy, director of the bachelor of midwifery program.
“Our contributions reduce unnecessary interventions, improve maternal satisfaction and improve health outcomes. Midwives are well-positioned to address gaps in access, particularly in underserved and rural communities.”
The event was held just one week after the college’s second cohort of midwives graduated.
“As of last week there have been 10 graduates of the program, with most working for Manitoba families,” McEvoy said.
McEvoy spoke alongside Tracy Mullet, president of the Midwives Association of Manitoba, Erin Bockstael of Women’s Health Clinic, and Janice Erickson, registrar of the College of Midwives of Manitoba.
Other speakers included registered midwife Bethany Rempel, Evelyne Fischer, a midwifery student with National Council of Indigenous Midwives, Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and Margaret Haworth-Brockman, senior program manager for National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, who gave a history of the implementation of midwifery in Manitoba.
“(Midwifery) is more than a calling. It is a sacred responsibility. These are sacred duties that are being performed across our province for some folks’ most joyous, but also vulnerable and precious moments,” Asagwara said.
Abigail Larson, a registered midwife with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, emceed the event.
“Since I was little, I’ve wanted to be a midwife, and I’m living my dream. Something about being a midwife is more than just something you’ve just picked to do,” Larson said.
Albert McLeod, a status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House, gave an opening prayer and gave a tobacco offering.
The event also showcased sculptures by midwife Kelly Klick on loan from her exhibit at Manitoba Arts Network.