Sarah Tapiatic News Today

Hundreds gathered in Uashat mak Mani-Utenam to welcome 50 participants of the First Nations Expedition — a 4,275-kilometre snowmobile journey through Indigenous communities, which honoured the late Joyce Echaquan and promoted reconcilitation.

In North America, Indigenous midwives and doulas practised their traditions and helped bring Indigenous babies into the world long before the creation of government health-care systems.

"The bringing in of a new life is integral to community health," said Jasmine Chatelain, a registered midwife and the planning, programming and research officer (PPRO) with Cree health's new midwifery education program.