"Kotawêw”: Expanding the Role of Indigenous Doulas in HIV Care Cascade in Manitoba
Principal Investigator: Laverne Gervais (Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.)
As the Indigenous birth work experiences a recent revival, there is a meaningful resurgence in embracing the traditional role of helpers, known as doulas. Rooted in the tradition of birthing people supporting each other through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, doulas offer continuous non-medical physical, emotional, and advocacy support. While research has extensively explored the traditional roles of doulas in the context of birth, there's a notable gap in understanding their potential contributions to HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) care and prevention for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women, two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals.
Our project aims to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring the role of Indigenous doulas in HIV/STBBI prevention and care. We are dedicated to uncovering insights that can enhance the support and care provided by doulas within these communities.
The specific study objectives were:
Create Knowledge: We aim to generate new information about HIV doulas specifically for Indigenous women, two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals in Manitoba.
Enhance Care and Prevention: Our objective is to improve HIV/STBBI care, treatment, and prevention efforts for Indigenous women, two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people in Manitoba. We plan to achieve this through a community-based peer-led doula training program.
Strengthen Capacity: We want to empower Indigenous women, two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse individuals living with HIV. Our focus is on strengthening their capacity to actively participate in and lead community-based research related to HIV, as well as engage in Indigenous-led interventions.
The Meaning of “Kotawêw”
Derived from the Cree language, Kotawêw translates to "making a fire" and represents the sacred act of bringing warmth and light into the world. The doulas, who provide culturally safe prevention and care to Indigenous communities, ignite a flame of hope and healing, particularly for those living with HIV and STBBI. Through their guidance and support, they bring light to the path of women, two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people navigating complex life and health journeys.
Study Findings-Community Report
Throughout 2022-2023, we engaged in interviews to gain deeper insights into the necessity of HIV doula efforts in Manitoba. The valuable findings from these interviews are detailed in our community report, which you can explore below:
