Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being

Indigenous knowledge systems have sustained the well-being of Indigenous Peoples for generations. Rooted in holistic worldviews that connect territory, spirituality, community and ways of life, they encompass values, practices and forms of care that have been developed and passed on over time.

Indigenous midwifery is a powerful expression of these knowledge systems, supporting the transmission of knowledge, strengthening cultural identity, and ensuring the continuity of Indigenous Peoples' ways of life . Yet, the practice of Indigenous midwifery remains impacted by structural barriers and discrimination that undermine the recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems within formal health frameworks and limit access to culturally appropriate care.

The upcoming International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will put a spotlight on this through its theme, Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.

Honouring Indigenous midwives is an opportunity to recognize their role as knowledge holders and caregivers, reaffirm the enduring value of Indigenous knowledge systems in safeguarding life, and advance culturally appropriate approaches to well-being for future generations.

Spread the word! Let’s leave no one behind. #IndigenousPeoples

Commemoration event

August 10, 2026
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. EDT, New York time

Join us in this online UN event (link coming soon) where speakers will discuss the role of Indigenous midwifery and the importance of its recognition, culturally appropriate approaches to health and well-being, and policy pathways to protect and support Indigenous-led systems of care and knowledge transmission.

We need Indigenous communities for a better world

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population, but account for at least 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.

Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.

Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

In order to raise awareness of the needs of Indigenous Peoples, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.

It is a global network promoted by UNDP in recognition of the wisdom of Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world. Through this movement, learn about surprising stories of Indigenous knowledge.

In rural and remote communities of Latin America, where geographical barriers and cultural differences can hinder access to healthcare centers, the practical and spiritual support of traditional midwives can make the difference between life and death.   More stories