The Southern First Nations Network of Care (SFNNC) and Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag invites you to a sacred feast and ceremony to honour and bless it’s new initiative, Restoring the Sacred Bond. This initiative is aimed at reducing the number of Indigenous infants in government care in Manitoba.
This historic launch will take place on June 17th, on the full moon of June at the Thunderbird Lodge, at 715 Main St. starting at 10:00 a.m. This historic Initiative, called Restoring the Sacred Bond, led by the SFNNC and Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, will match vulnerable expectant mothers to Indigenous birth helpers.
“We will identify and take referrals of expectant mothers across southern Manitoba and connect them with a birth helper to provide support before, during and after the birth of her child for up to one year. Part of the process will help the mother reconnect with traditional cultural practices and strengthen her support system,” says Jolene Mercer, Executive Director of Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag.
The two-year initiative, financed through a Social Impact Bond (SIB), will pair Indigenous mothers with a birth helper to provide stronger, culturally-appropriate support. SIBs encourage partnerships between the government, the private sector and community groups to achieve positive outcomes. With funding secured from eight investors, including local investment, Restoring the Sacred Bond expects to begin accepting expectant mothers in September 2019.
