b'COVER STORYI know theres nothing I can do to make up for what she did for me. Shes incredible. Shes the reason why I am still aliveMa-Nee Chacaby, Ojibway-Cree Elderclasses at local studios. She has combinedher how she was doing. I shared with herA year later, the two friends were on a the physical practice of yoga with the artthat I needed a new kidney, my numbersplane heading to Toronto for the trans-of storytelling in hopes that she can helpwere low, says Chacaby. She said, Iplant. It really happened; here I am, still people to understand their bodies andhave a kidney I can give you and I said,alive. At my last checkup my doctor told what they are trying to say.Yeah, right. me Im at 100% [kidney function] now, Chacaby, who grew up in the northernTo Chacabys surprise, Derosier called hersays Chacaby. He was surprised. He said community of Ombabika before movingthe next day asking who she needed to talk[Michelles] kidney is better than mine!to Thunder Bay, has raised two girls onto in order to donate her kidney. ChacabyOn a more serious note, Chacaby adds: I her own and continuously supports youthgave her the number to the hospital. and children that come into her life. Iknow theres nothing I can do to make up am very grateful for what Michelle did,When she called the hospital, I knew shefor what she did for me. Shes incredible. offering me her kidney, she says, addingwas for real: she was serious about it. OhShes the reason why I am still alive.that she remembers well the momentmy god, I was just in shock, says Chacaby. Derosier first made her extraordinaryI cant believe somebody would do that. IGrateful everything went really well, offer. Chacaby was sitting around a firepitonly hear people doing it for their familiesChacaby wanted to give a monetary gift when Derosier sat beside her and askedif they have to. to Derosier after the transplant, but Derosier refused. She did it out of love and respect, Chacaby says of her friends decision to donate her kidney.Our strategic goal is the restoration andChacaby says she will continue her renewal of Indigenous midwifery in Indigenouswork patrolling the streets until she is communities.a hundred, given that she now feels We advocate to increase access to midwiferyhealthier than ever and might be around care in Indi ur st nous communities that is nd lose to O ge rategic goal is the restoration ac for a long time. As for the two friends, they renewal of Indigenous midwifery in Indigenous home and rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing communities. are closer than ever. I feel like shes my and doing and by working in close collaboration with Indige eous l cate t ers, communiti to s anddaughter; shes my new daughter. She is a W n advo ead o increase accessemidwifery care in Indigenous communities that is close to stakeholders. part of my body now,Chacaby reflects.home and rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and by working in close collaboration We support communities in the development with Indigenous leaders, communities andRecognizing the prevalence of kidney of midwifery learning ecosystems and diverse stakeholders. disease in Indigenous populations, educational pathways. We support communities in the developmentboth women hope more Indigenous of midwifery learning ecosystems and diverse Together, we are re-awakening the practice ofpeople consider kidney donation. Saving educational pathways. Indigenous midwifery and the promise of new life.Together, we are re-awakening the practice ofsomeones life through the act of giving Indigenous midwifery and the promise of new life. has a powerful impact on ones outlook.For more information contact:Derosier and Chacabys story is one of Leila Monib, Acting Director or Indi e i enousonidwifery F , mor g nformati M contact: Ellen Blais, Director, Indigenous Midwiferyrespect and mutual love in its purest form leila.monib@aom.on.ca ellen.blais@aom.on.ca it is a compelling reminder to us all that Visit us online at: ontariomidwives.ca/indigenous-midwiferyVisit us online at: ontariomidwives.ca/indigenous-midwiferyFoll Follow us o the act of giving in itself has tremendous ow us onhealing power. n12Fall/Winter 2023'