Celebrating Indigenous Midwifery with Nicolle Gonzalez of the Changing Women Initiative with NY Midwives

Please join the NYC midwifery community in celebrating the work and passion of our fellow midwife - Nicolle Gonzalez of the Changing Woman Initiative, a Native-American centered women's health collective based in New Mexico. Ms. Gonzalez was one of the midwives called to stand up for the sovereignty of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to resist the build of the Dakota Access Pipeline. She provided midwifery care in an act of solidarity and service to her community. https://blog.everymothercounts.org/from-a-navajo-nurse-midwife-what-you-should-know-about-the-women-and-mothers-of-standing-rock-8aea263734aa#.c2uhxgldi

Given the growing maternal health disparities faced by historically marginalized communities - this is an opportunity to learn and share and celebrate a midwife who is working for truth, transformation and sovereignty for Indigenous birthing women. Nicolle is a passionate midwife who is laboring to "renew cultural birth knowledge to empower and reclaim indigenous sovereignty of women's medicine through women's stories and life ways."

The creation story of the Changing Woman Initiative starts with the dream of Nicolle - Navajo Nurse-Midwife. Following years of working as a midwife in her community and seeing many Native American women struggle with navigating western medical healthcare systems that did not center them, she saw assimilation practices-from birth on-impacting Native American family’s ability to bring their loved ones into this world in a culturally supported and ceremonial way, that represented the community they came from. Since 2015, they have grown public awareness around the overlooked issues of Native American maternal health and the lack of Native American/ Indigenous representation within midwifery in the United States. In the Spring of 2018, they became a 501c3 non-profit following a 12-month strategic planning process and digital storytelling project, where they engaged with Native American women, families, midwives, doulas, and elders to discuss effective sustainable ways for Changing Woman Initiative to ensure access to decolonized Indigenously-centered, accessible healthcare and traditional childbirth options for Native American women.

This fundraising event is a small way to honor the work and generate the social and financial capital needed to continue to provide community-centered midwifery care to Indigenous women, families and communities.

All profits from the sale of the tickets will be in support of the Changing Woman Initiative, a 501(C)(3) NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

FAQs

What's the refund policy?

There are no refunds for this event - all proceeds will be donated directly to Changing Woman Initiative, a 501(C)(3) NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No - email or app confirmation is acceptable

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Please note there will be alcohol at this event which will require ID. Each person must pay admission for the event, including children.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

We encourage you to use public transportation or ride sharing as you are able. Parking options in the city are limited and expensive.