The Core Leadership Circle is lead by two Co‑Chairs who are selected by the Core Leaders by consensus.

The Core Leadership Circle attempts to reflect the diversity of Indigenous midwives in its composition, including student representation in order to support mentorship.

NCIM CO-CHAIRS

Samantha Leclerc
Alisha Julien Reid

To serve on the Core Leadership Circle, an Indigenous midwife must have been a member of NCIM for two years. A Call for Interest goes out to General Membership annually in June with a reminder in early September. Interested members must submit an Expression of Interest, including a summary of relevant experience or their curriculum vitae, by the end of September.

A decision is made at the October Core Leadership meeting, with the term starting at the NCIM Gathering.

🌿 Indigenous Midwifery Governance in Action 🌿 Gathered on Anishinaabe Algonquin Territory, this powerful circle of Indigenous midwives, students, Elders, and allies stood together at the 2024 NCIM Annual Gathering. From ceremony to strategy, their presence affirms what we know in our bones: birth is governance, midwifery is nationhood, and our knowledge systems are unstoppable.

NCIM CORE LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

The 2024-2026 Core Leadership Circle

  • Alisha Julien Reid, Mi’kmaq Midwife
  • Brenda Epoo, Inuit Registered Midwife, Nunavik
  • Eileen Moorhouse, Inuit Registered Midwife, Nunavik
  • Emily Chartrand-Hudson, Registered Indigenous Midwife
  • Heather Heinrichs, Michif (Métis) Registered Midwife
  • Jasmine Benedict, Onkwehón:we Midwife
  • Tekatsi:tsia’kwa “Katsi” Cook, Onkwehón:we Midwife
  • Kim Moorhouse, Inuit Registered Midwife, Nunavik
  • Samantha Leclerc, Inuit Registered Midwife, Nunavik
  • Stephanie Biswell, Registered Indigenous Midwife

Student Representatives

  • Emma White, Innu Student Midwife
NCIM is governed by a Core Leadership Circle that:
  • provides leadership and accountability to NCIM
  • upholds NCIM policies and guidelines
  • consults with the General Membership
  • provides oversight to committees and working groups
  • identifies priorities to advance the mission, vision, and core values of NCIM.
2018 CAM Conference
(group shot) Indigenous midwives Joyce Leaf, Carol Couchie, Ellen Blais and Julie Wilson pose with Bear Clan Mother, Louise McDonald (second from left) after her plenary session presentation at the 2018 CAM Conference in Gatineau, Quebec.