At their June 25, 2025, meeting, the Board created a new pathway for Indigenous midwives who wish to become registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario.
“As Chair, I am proud to be part of a Board that made this historic decision, which reflects our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and recognizes Indigenous midwives as a cornerstone of their communities. This decision supports Indigenous-led health solutions and honours birth as a sacred ceremony tied to culture, language, and land.” – Claire Ramlogan-Salanga, RM, Board Chair, College of Midwives of Ontario
The Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC) has been approved as the designated body with the authority to identify Indigenous midwifery education baccalaureate degrees as equivalent qualifications to Ontario baccalaureate degrees in Midwifery for entry to practice under the Registration Regulation.
The Board has already recognized the Canadian Association for Midwifery Education (CAMEd) and the midwifery education programs (MEPs) it accredits under the same provision in the Registration Regulation. IAESC, which reports to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, plays a comparable role to CAMEd, but with a broader scope, using a rigorous quality assurance process to approve Indigenous Institutes and their programs.
This proposed pathway supports the College’s public protection mandate and advances the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action by respecting Indigenous authority over education and health. It also enables culturally appropriate care and may increase diversity in the profession.
“The Board’s decision affirms the valuable contributions Indigenous midwives make to the profession and ensures they have a pathway to College registration should they choose. We eagerly anticipate the development of the Honours Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Midwifery, a program designed by and for Indigenous midwives providing safe, culturally appropriate care in their communities and beyond.” – Kelly Dobbin, Registrar and CEO, College of Midwives of Ontario
With this change, graduates of IAESC-approved programs meet the education requirement for registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario, giving these candidates the choice to either practise under the Indigenous exemption allowed under Ontario law, or to become registered with the College. This could help expand opportunities for Indigenous midwives in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
The College is developing an agreement with IAESC to formal the process, ensuring the Indigenous midwifery baccalaureate degree programs it approves meet regulatory standards while respecting Indigenous knowledge and governance. We will share more information as it becomes available.