Sacred Waters Collective
Sacred Water Collective is an Indigenous-led organization with individuals serving Indigenous communities throughout Michigan to provide a traditional support system. We serve as a birth work mentorship circle, cultivating sustainable, traditionally-focused, community-driven care for Indigenous families.
Our goal is to return the power back to families to connect with the power of traditional birth and parenting to build communities that are connected to their culture, language, and traditions.
Our purpose is to reclaim traditional birth and breastfeeding practice for Indigenous communities, cultivating relationships and interconnection while countering the systemic racism at the root of many of the health problems facing Indigenous communities.
Community Caretakers
Aanii, Aazheniikwe ndizhnikaaz. Ajiijaak ndodem; Kchiwiikwedong ndoonjbaa. Ojibwe minwaa odawakwe ndaw.
My name is Angie Sanchez and I am Crane Clan Ojibway and Odawa from Peshawbestown, Michigan. I am an Indigenous Lactation Counselor and was awarded the Indigenous Lactation Counselor of the year for 2022. I am currently a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University where I study health & medical geography. My research focuses on increasing access to breastfeeding support resources in Indigenous communities. I had a lot of issues with breastfeeding my son and was consistently dismissed by healthcare providers when I would tell them that something was wrong. Eventually I figured out the issue on my own and we were able to correct the problem and move on, but I realized how much of my success in breastfeeding relied on community members who should have been there for me but were not. I decided to dedicatemy life’s work to ensure that nobody else has to face the same issues alone like I did. Breastfeeding has been the single most healing thing I could have done for myself and my child, providing breakthroughs on the collective trauma we as Indigenous people face from years of colonization efforts on our people. I Although I am capable of providing direct services (lactation and soon I’ll be a doula), my strengths lie in supporting the overall mission of increasing access to our sacred birth ceremonies that are our natural born rights. I like to use my voice to collaborate with other organizations for funding to help our reclamation of Indigenous birth practices. We aim to position Sacred Waters Collective as a single source for birth work support for Indigenous people in the state of Michigan. We are here to support you however we can.
Catherine L. Crowley is a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, hailing from the Kewadin Indian Settlement, commonly known as the Grove. Born and raised in this culturally rich community, Catherine developed a deep appreciation for her Native American heritage and a strong sense of community spirit.
After completing her high school education, Catherine pursued her passion for teaching by enrolling at Michigan State University. She dedicated herself to studying Elementary Education, driven by her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. Catherine’s time at Michigan State University provided her with a solid foundation in pedagogy and educational theory, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective educator.
Throughout her academic journey, Catherine actively engaged with her Native American community, seeking opportunities to promote cultural awareness and foster educational empowerment among Indigenous youth. Her experiences as a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have given her unique insights into the challenges faced by Native American students in the education system, motivating her to be an advocate for their educational needs and rights.
Catherine’s dedication to her community extends beyond the classroom. She has been involved in various initiatives and organizations focused on preserving Native American culture, supporting cultural exchange programs, and promoting the well-being of Indigenous communities. Through her efforts, she aims to empower Native American youth and cultivate a deeper appreciation for their heritage.
With her passion for education, commitment to her Native American roots, and her desire to inspire and empower young learners, Catherine L. Crowley continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those she encounters. She is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and cultural preservation, striving to create a brighter and more equitable future for Indigenous communities.
Crystal Wynk is an indigenous lactation counselor and full spectrum doula, dedicated to serving her communities and promoting holistic health practices. With ancestral roots in Sault Ste. Marie and Bay Mills, Crystal draws inspiration from her rich heritage and cultural traditions to support individuals and families on their reproductive and parenting journeys.
As a lactation counselor, Crystal brings a deep understanding of the importance of breastfeeding and the unique challenges that indigenous mothers may face. She provides compassionate guidance, evidence-based information, and culturally relevant support to help mothers establish and maintain successful breastfeeding relationships with their babies. Crystal’s expertise extends beyond lactation support, as she is also a knowledgeable advocate for indigenous birthing practices and postpartum care.
In her role as an indigenous full spectrum doula, Crystal offers comprehensive support throughout the entire spectrum of reproductive experiences, including pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. She believes in empowering individuals and their families to make informed choices, while honoring their cultural beliefs and values. Crystal’s compassionate presence, extensive knowledge, and nurturing care help create a safe and sacred space for birthing individuals and their loved ones.
Crystal’s dedication to her communities is reflected in her virtual work, where she reaches out to provide valuable resources and support to her hometown and surrounding areas. Through online platforms, she facilitates virtual workshops, one-on-one consultations, and community discussions, ensuring that her expertise is accessible to those who may not have local resources available.
Crystal Wynk’s commitment to indigenous lactation counseling and full spectrum doula care is driven by her desire to uplift and empower indigenous families. With her deep cultural connection and expertise in reproductive health, she continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her community members, both near and far.
A spirited advocate for Indigenous families and community wellness, Kelsey Wabanimkee is a citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with roots in Northern Lower Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. An avid traveler and well-read educator, Wabanimkee prides her diverse work in meeting others where they are. She is committed to expanding diversity and inclusion in modern work spaces.
Kelsey serves Anishinaabek by promoting mindfulness in everyday living and working to reclaim the First Peoples culture and traditions. Kelsey believes in establishing a solid foundation for future generations. She takes a loving, compassionate and loving approach to caring for our people, establishing relationships within community health circles. She is a trained, certified Doula, a traditional Birthworker, breastfeeding counselor, mother, and leader in Anishinaabek community health.
Much of her work is dedicated to ensuring Indigenous Voice has a seat at the table. With Miigwech Inc., Kelsey works to serve Doulas; supporting them in navigating the complex process for Medicaid reimbursement. She uplifts Indigenous Doulas, helping them reach the families they serve and meet the needs of their clients, while finding the resources to ensure they are valued for their services.
Boozhoo, Biidaanakwadkwe ndizhinkkaaz, ajiijak ndodem. Bahweting ndoonjbaa besho Gichigami Zagaigan.
My name is Lindsey, Gaelic and Anishinaabe, crane clan of the Sault tribe, born and raised in Bahweting. I am a direct descendant of the MacLeods of the Isle of Sky, Scotland, from my Grandfather Robert Bruce (namesake of “Robert the Bruce” McLeod). I am Anishinaabe of my Grandmabaa, Payment of Sugar Island, MI, whose ancestors also hail from Garden River, Canada. I am currently residing between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan within Chippewa County.
I am an Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula (IFSD), Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor (IBC), Birth Educator (BE), Mother, and Artist servicing all of Chippewa County and virtually abroad. I specialize in unique and comprehensive traditional postpartum doula care, pregnancy release support, and lactation counseling. I am also competent in mental health peer-to-peer support during reproductive ceremonies.
I am The Panoramic Doula and a Member of the 2021 CORE Cohort, a Racial Equity Young Parents Fund Awardee, Nourishing Nations co-founder, Sacred Waters Collective co-founder, an awardee of the Superior Health Foundation Grant and the NACCHO Continuity of Care grant, co-contributor of the 2021 Michigan Native Breastfeeding Week proclamation, Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar presenter, educator, and facilitator.
My passion is to care for and nurture people in their experiences as a foundation in restoring innate trust in the bodies of Indigenous peoples to heal future generations. I center BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ families in birth and breastfeeding care that is culturally relevant and evidence-based from a traditional, Indigenous lens.
IG: @thepanoramicdoula Email: [email protected]
Meredith Kennedy is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Hailing from Waganakising, within the beautiful territory of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa, she dedicates her life to serving all Indigenous persons, fostering connections with black and brown communities, and building bridges within the greater Michigan community.
As the founder and CEO of Miigwech Inc. and Native North Tours and Storytelling, LLC, Meredith actively promotes Odawa culture and Mino Bimaadiziwin, the good life. Through her work, she aims to create spaces where individuals can learn, celebrate, and embrace the wisdom and teachings passed down by their ancestors.
Meredith’s deep-rooted belief in the importance of intergenerational support and empowerment drives her commitment to the next Seven Generations. She understands that by nurturing and uplifting one another with love, understanding, and respect, we can create a future that honors our shared humanity and strengthens our communities.
To learn more about Meredith’s initiatives and to get involved in her transformative work, visit her websites:
Miigwech Inc.
Native North Tours and Storytelling, LLC
Shé:kon sewakwé:kon wa’tkwanonwerá:ton. Karihwénhawe yónkyats. Wakhs karé:wake. Kanyen’kehá:ka niwakonhwentsyó:ten. Kenhtè:ke nithoné:non ne akhwá:tsire. Wek tsi nòn:wa tiki:teron Tyosarnóntyon.
Hello everyone, my name is Sage Hegdal. I am Mohawk and European. My family is from Kenhtè:ke, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, but now I live in the Detroit area. I am bear clan. I was a breastfeeding mother who struggled in different ways with each child, and breastfeeding support was critical to my success. After struggling myself, I became a La Leche League leader to help support other people who wanted to breastfeed. This led to my involvement with other Indigenous people who also desired more support for breastfeeding and birthing people, and eventually my connection with Sacred Waters Collective. I am a certified Indigenous Brestfeeding Counselor and certified Indigenous Doula, although I currently offer administrative support to Sacred Waters Collective. My full time job is with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Trail System and Services. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Parks and Recreation and a Master’s degree from Oakland University in Public Administration. I have 25 years of experience working with non-profit organizations and community programming. I live with my partner, Bob, my three children, and two dogs. I enjoy camping, hiking, beadwork, and sewing. I am passionate about bringing birth practices and ceremony back to our community, especially in the urban environment where many people are away from their communities and, like me, may have lost cultural knowledge through colonization. Sacred Waters Collective is here to support you.
