The Sturgeon Lake First Nation is the first tribe in Saskatchewan, and one of the few in the country, to open an on-reserve birthing lodge, which will follow cultural practices.
STURGEON LAKE, Sask.-Recently, members of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation celebrated the grand opening of the Shirley Bighead Nihtāwiki and Ohpikihāwasowin Birthing and Child-rearing Lodge. This is the first Indigenous-led birthing lodge on a First Nation in Saskatchewan.
Before the birthing lodge came to be, pregnant women had to travel to larger cities, such as Prince Albert or Saskatoon to give birth.
Not only will the birthing lodge be available to First Nations' women, but the births will follow traditional Cree customs, including the options for ceremony and family participation.
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