Spokane Tribal Network (STN) has been part of a co-heart of women across the State of Washington, convened by Ttáwaxt Birth Justice Center from Yakama country, and funded through the Perigee Fund.
Indigenous Birth Justice
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CONNECTION
Stay connected with us on Facebook! Our organization believes in the power of community and the strength that comes from staying connected. By following our official Facebook page, you’ll gain access to the latest updates, news, and events happening within our organization.
Through our Facebook community, we foster meaningful conversations, share inspiring stories, and provide valuable resources related to our cause. It’s a platform where you can engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference.
Indigenous Birth Justice Belief
We believe that indigenous birth justice is present when indigenous people honor their ancestors by making the best decisions they can during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby arrives to ensure the next generation continues.
Honoring our Ancestors
We believe that indigenous birth justice is present when indigenous people honor their ancestors by making the best decisions they can during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby arrives to ensure the next generation continues.
The work of revitalizing and honoring ancestors who survived and thrived for us to be on this earth is always important to keep in our hearts.
The persistence of our ancestors allows us to gain our purpose and is deeply embedded in Indigenous Birth Justice. We have and continue to build a team that sets aside ego by honoring and understanding this concept and history that is imperative to moving this work forward in a good way.
Spirituality
Spirituality plays an important role in indigenous birth justice, as it is connected to the values of love, care, and respect for the ancestors. Prayer is an integral component of the work, and the path is guided by ancestors and a sense of purpose that goes beyond the physical aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.
Team
The work of indigenous birth justice is a collaborative effort that requires a team of individuals who understand and honor its history and values. Working together towards a common goal, this team sets aside ego and focuses on creating a future that upholds the values of indigenous peoples.
Activities
The work of indigenous birth justice is ongoing and can take many different forms. This may include education and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of making decisions that honor the legacy of our ancestors, as well as providing support and resources for mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby arrives.
Family
Value
The values that underlie indigenous birth justice include a deep respect for the ancestors who have come before us, a commitment to working together as a team, and a sense of purpose that is guided by love and care. These values reflect a holistic approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing that takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the mother and the baby.
Love & Care
Indigenous birth justice is guided by a deep sense of love and care for both the mother and the baby. Making decisions that prioritize the well-being of both requires a holistic approach that takes into account physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By creating an environment that is guided by love and care, we can ensure that the next generation is nurtured and supported in their journey through life.
History
Understanding and honoring the history of indigenous birth justice is essential to the work of creating a future that upholds the values of indigenous peoples. The legacy of our ancestors, who survived and thrived to bring us to the present day, is deeply embedded in this work. By revitalizing and honoring this legacy, we can ensure that the next generation has a strong foundation on which to build their lives.
Learn more about us
Tribal Food Sovereignty
Dr. Melodi Wynne is the Food Sovereignty manager for STN & the Spokane Tribe. Food sovereignty is typically defined as "the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods". For the tribes, this means, in part, reestablishing the lost flora of their ancestral lands. The purpose of the project is to create a healing space demonstrating Spokane Tribal Food Sovereignty through connections among people, plants, elements, and all life above, on, in, and under the soil.
Children of the Sun Community Coaltion
Strengthening Families Program is for Parents and Youth 10-14 and is a nationally recognized curriculum that provides parent, youth and family education. The model is designed to be delivered in local communities for groups of 7-12 families. In our case, our goal is 2-3 but will take all that apply. Strengthening Families training is provided by WSU.
Strengthen Families Locally
Strengthen Families Locally aims to increase family resilience and reduce rates of child maltreatment and entry into foster care in target communities. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has partnered with STN to help achieve these outcomes in Stevens & Ferry Counties. It is funded by the Administration for Children and Families and is a 5-year project started in 2019. Jamie Lovato is the Coordinator and Penny Spencer is the financial and support to the contract.