Illustration: Restoring Birthing Practices in Inuit communities

An image describing the issues and paths forward about Inuit Midwifery created by Pauktuutit and illustrated by Sam Bradd and Annalee Kornelsen. Text part one says Inuit birthers have the right to choose their healthcare provider, location, and who is present during birth, regardless of where they live in Canada. Birth evacuation policies, food insecurity and risks of violence, long travel distances, create harm; insead, Inuit reproductive sovereignty can be reclaimed, sustained and upheld including midwifery

“In Spring 2024, Pauktuutit released the report Improving Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services across Inuit Nunangat, based on findings from the National Inuit Midwifery Forum held in March 2023.

The report reaffirms Pauktuutit’s commitment to restoring birthing practices in Inuit communities and outlines a pathway forward for midwifery in Inuit Nunangat. Pauktuutit is also developing a National Inuit Midwifery Framework to guide the re-establishment of traditional Inuit midwifery practices and education programs across the region.”

Drawing Change had the privilege of working closely with Pauktuutit to develop this visual summary of key issues and solutions that are needed to support Inuit birthing practices, including midwifery, in Inuit communities.

The art direction and lettering created by Sam Bradd, and final artwork is by Annalee Kornelsen, with writing by Pauktuutit. Featured in their report, here.