New report highlights the strengths of urban Indigenous mothers-to-be

January 30, 2025

A report published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth has shown that better service reach is both necessary and possible to support urban Indigenous girls and young women who are preparing to parent for the first time.

The report was co-written by Indigenous scholars and community leaders with Nicole Catherine, Associate Director of the Children’s Health Policy Centre. The team studied the experiences of young expectant mothers who were enrolled in the BC Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP). BCHCP enrollment was based on participants’ experiences of socioeconomic disadvantage. Of the 739 participants, a high proportion (200 or 27%) were Indigenous — despite no specialized recruitment pathways.

Crucially, the report acknowledges the strengths of these mothers-to-be in seeking services during pregnancy and consenting to a long-term research study while facing adversities such as unstable housing and very limited income.

This research underscores the need for enhanced interventions that serve pregnant and parenting Indigenous girls and young women, particularly in urban environments. Programs that provide intensive supports throughout pregnancy and childhood can promote healthy life trajectories while also strengthening community.

“In Canada and internationally, tailored Indigenous community-led programs are needed and need to be offered where Indigenous children and their mothers live—to support long-term mental health and well-being,” the researchers conclude. “Alongside this, Indigenous-led research that includes the participants as partners and involves respectful collaborations—and is driven by community priorities—will also help in realizing the collective goal of ensuring healthy development for all Indigenous children.”

To learn more, read the report.