Transforming maternity care for Indigenous families
Maternity care is evolving to better support Indigenous families. Collaborative, culturally grounded practices are helping improve experiences from pregnancy through postpartum.
In partnership with Squamish Nation, we are working together at Squamish General Hospital to create a more welcoming, culturally safe maternity experience for Indigenous birthers and their families, from pregnancy through birth and into the postpartum period.
To better support families as they move from home to hospital, staff and medical staff are co-designing guided tours specifically for Indigenous families. Offered with the support of a Traditional Elder or Knowledge Keeper from the Squamish Nation, these tours help birthers and their loved ones become familiar with the maternity space before delivery and feel more grounded and supported when they arrive.
Inside the maternity unit, we are collaborating closely with Indigenous families to create a more welcoming and reflective environment. This includes incorporating Indigenous artwork by local Indigenous artists and adding visual elements that honour culture, identity and connection. Our teams are also assembling Indigenous-specific care packages for families who travel from rural and remote communities to give birth at the hospital, helping ensure they feel cared for and supported throughout their stay.
“Ongoing meaningful collaboration and connection with Squamish Nation Family Program and families helps us truly understand the needs of birthers and shape our environment to provide culturally safe care,” says Kierstie Cook, Quality Lead.
“Listening with the intent to understand is an important part of reconciliation and reminds us to move forward together with respect and humility. Our hope is to continue taking thoughtful steps that reflect, and are guided by the voices and experiences of those receiving care.”
As one of four birthing sites in the Coastal region, Squamish General Hospital is helping guide culturally safe maternal practices across the region. What we are learning here is also informing work at Lions Gate Hospital, qathet General Hospital and Sechelt Hospital, with each site adapting the approach to reflect the unique needs and distinct traditions of local Indigenous Peoples.
