Indigenous Midwifery: Autonomy, Epistemic Justice, and the Right to Indigenous Health Systems

Indigenous Traditional Midwifery is a foundational pillar of Indigenous Peoples’ health systems across the Americas, rooted in spirituality, territorial relationships, community care, and intergenerational knowledge. This UNPFII side event will highlight Indigenous midwifery as a legitimate and culturally grounded expression of self-determination, while addressing key challenges such as regulation, criminalization, and structural subordination. Co-organized by the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Indigenous Determinants of Health Alliance (IDHA), and the Continental Alliance for Indigenous Midwives in the Americas, the session will advance dialogue on epistemic justice, medical pluralism, and concrete policy recommendations to strengthen recognition and protection of Indigenous health systems.

Location: Conference Room 5, 777 United Nations Plaza