Service Model
Our model is grounded in our vision of reclaiming Indigenous bodily sovereignty. It is designed and led By Indigenous folx, for Indigenous folx and free of cost to Indigenous folx. It is deeply rooted in our culture, and designed to impact everyone in our communities – from youth to elders.
Education/mentoring with teens
Menstruation/moontime teachings
Fertility awareness
Anatomy
Sexually transmitted infections
Preconception care and knowledge
Preventative health information
Reclaiming bodily sovereignty
Sti testing – potentially in the form of courses?
Traditional parenting classes
Nutrition classes
Fertility awareness
Conscious conception
Sex education
Birth Education
Breastfeeding Education
Anatomy and physiology
Empowerment and advocacy resources
Birthworker fund
Community fund for Indigenous birthwork services centered in culturally rooted resources
Development of culturally rooted resources and dissemination costs (books, classes, gatherings, etc.)
Preventative health information
Reclaiming bodily sovereignty
Rights and options in birth
Safe co-sleeping
Postpartum Education
Traditional Medicine Birthwork
Traditional foods
Men’s roles in fatherhood
Supporting men to step into their roles as fathers
Reclaiming bodily sovereignty
Cradle Board workshops
Safe co-sleeping
Men’s traditional work like firekeeping, building lodges, moss bags, rattles, cradleboards, etc.
Training for the community
Free of charge cost to communities
Reclaiming bodily sovereignty
Safe co-sleeping
Cradle Board and Moss Bag workshops
Preventative health information
Mortality and morbidity and historical trauma outcomes on parenting, birth and breastfeeding
Physical educational resources/material/infographics
Elder Care and curriculums
Reclaiming birth work for communities
Traditional birth roles of community members
Sustainability
Reach youth/teens through education and mentorship
Establish a birthworker community fund to develop and provide culturally-rooted services and resources
Support men’s roles as they step into fatherhood
Develop and train the community at no cost on traditional birth and parenting practices
Ensure sustainability of our reclamation efforts by removing barriers, economic and otherwise, to continuing and expanding our reach
Successes to date
Established statewide BIPOC Birthworker Cohort
Developed the first Indigenous Milk Medicine Week proclamation for Governor Whitmer to proclaim across Michigan
