Spirit of Birth

In Wasauksing First Nation, mother, filmmaker and host Rebeka Tabobondung, reflects with family about her own birth story. Rebeka travels to Seventh Generations Midwives Toronto, beginning her journey to learn about restoring birth knowledge.

Brianna’s birth story changes with the support of midwife Emma. Rebeka visits the remote northern Cree community of Chisasibi. After decades of lost knowledge, birth is finally returning home to the land through local services, midwives and visionaries.

In Chisasibi, Edith is cared for by midwives during the birth of their fourth child. Meet Shannon, an aspiring midwife from Chisasibi who is training 1,200 kilometers away in Toronto. We learn more about Chisasibi’s plan for a new midwifery education program.

Hannah Bearskin recounts her experience giving birth in a “michuap” (teepee). Climate change impacts the Cree community of Chisasibi through raging forest fires. The local midwifery services lead the evacuation of Elders, pregnant mothers and newborns.

Shannon reunites with her family in Chisasibi for the summer. Rebeka visits the midwifery practice in Nipissing First Nation, founded by a mother-daughter team. Rebeka attends a midwifery gathering with midwives from coast to coast to coast.

The people of Kehewin are bringing birth back into their community. Rebeka visits their inaugural “birth camp”, which provides Cree youth, families and aspiring midwives with the knowledge to relearn their sacred birth ceremonies.