A Joint Statement on Indigenous Midwifery, Native Maternal Health, and Solidarity from ACNM and NACPM

Indigenous Midwifery, Accountability, and the Future of Our Profession

In solidarity with Indigenous Midwives worldwide, ACNM and NACPM support the following requests advanced by Indigenous Midwives attending the 2026 ICM Congress:
• Reinstatement of the ICM Position Statement on Partnership Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous
Midwives.
• Reconvening of the Indigenous Working Group with adequate resources, authority, and organizational
support.
• Development of language that clearly distinguishes credentialed midwives from the broader global
traditions of Indigenous, traditional, and community-based midwives when discussing professional
standards and regulation.
• Creation of an Indigenous Midwife seat on the ICM Board to ensure Indigenous representation in global governance and decision-making.
• ICM support for the creation and growth of an independent global Indigenous Midwifery Association.
• An independent governance review examining the relationship between the ICM Board, Council, and Head Office to strengthen transparency, accountability, and member-driven governance.