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

Brenda Epoo
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.

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.

NCIM CORE LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

The 2021 Core Leadership Circle

  • Akinisie Qumaluk, Nunavik Registered Midwife
  • Alisha Julien Reid, Mi’kmaq Midwife
  • Ashley Lickers, Cayuga Nation Indigenous Midwife
  • Brenda Epoo, Inuit Registered Midwife, Nunavik
  • Claire Dion Fletcher, Indigenous (Lenape Potawatomi) Registered Midwife
  • Heather Heinrichs, Michif (Métis) Registered Midwife
  • Hope McLennan, Inuk-Métis Registered Midwife
  • Jasmine Chatelain, Indigenous Registered Midwife
  • Margaret Mina, Inuit Registered Midwife
  • Rachel Jones, Inuit Registered Midwife
  • Sharon Smoke, Aboriginal Midwife, Ogweho:weh Cayuga Nation

 

Student Representatives

  • Deanna Kumpf, Métis Student Midwife
  • Tillikasak Weetaluktuk, Inuit Student Midwife, Nunavik
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.
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.