6 August 2026 - For many Indigenous Peoples, the continuity of their societies is closely linked to the knowledge systems and leadership of Indigenous midwives, which sustain collective well-being and intergenerational knowledge transmission.
Indigenous midwives provide care that integrates physical, spiritual, cultural and community dimensions of well-being, reflecting holistic knowledge systems. Yet, in many contexts, Indigenous midwifery continues to face discrimination, stigmatization and criminalization, reflecting broader structural inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples. These inequalities are evident in limited access to culturally appropriate services and insufficient recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems within legal and policy frameworks, including those affecting Indigenous women and girls.
The 2026 International Day of the World¡¯s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP), under the theme ¡°Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,¡± highlights Indigenous midwifery as a vital expression of self-determination, linking health, culture, spirituality and land. It recognizes Indigenous midwives as knowledge holders and custodians of values, responsibilities and practices that ensure the continuity of Indigenous Peoples across generations.
The affirms the right of Indigenous Peoples to maintain and strengthen their cultural practices and institutions. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has repeatedly called for the recognition of Indigenous midwives, the removal of discriminatory barriers and the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes.
In honouring Indigenous midwives, IDWIP 2026 encourages concrete action to protect and strengthen Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous-led systems of care.
Honouring and supporting Indigenous midwives extends beyond issues of health and appropriate care. It is about safeguarding the Indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained Indigenous Peoples for generations. It is about protecting the rights, dignity, cultures, identities and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. It is about ensuring that Indigenous midwives can continue to pass on their knowledge, values and responsibilities to future generations.
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