All posts by Odette Auger

Odette Auger moved to the traditional territories of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) in 1999. She has worked with island youth as facilitator in local programming for 17 years, and works as Program support for Tides Canada Initiatives project Indigeneyez. She started working with Cortes Radio in 2013, fundraising and project management. Writing and producing for Deep Roots gave an outlet for Odette’s storytelling skills, and a lasting love of the listening, story gathering, and collaborative process. She is one of the Cortes Currents producers for the Cortes Radio 2020 Local Journalism Initiative Grant.
Family, Indigenous Nations

Kwakwaka’wakw doulas reclaim birthing traditions

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A group of newly trained Indigenous doulas reclaim their future bringing back birthing traditions

The first birth Indigenous doula Roberta Williams attended also happened to be the first child born in Kwagu’ł territory in over 30 years. Williams, 23, is one of 17 Indigenous doulas trained last year, in what is a new wave of traditional birth knowledge and reclamation.

Continue reading Kwakwaka’wakw doulas reclaim birthing traditions →
Health, Indigenous Nations, Women

The necessity of reclaiming Indigenous birth practises

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sage Thomas recalls the first birth she witnessed as a doula in training, using the traditional ways of her people. 

“When I walked into the room, they had some juniper burning on the stove and they had the lights low and it was just really quiet and calm,” she says.

This is what birth can look like, Thomas says, when it is supported with culture and traditional knowledge. Thomas speaks of the importance, and necessity of reclaiming Indigenous birth practices.

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Children

Safe return to play: Novice hockey during COVID-19

How novice hockey is happening in Campbell River, Vancouver Island.

In the parking lot at Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, COVID-1919 Ambassadors take in screening checklists, supervise hand sanitizing, as the novice hockey kids arrive at the arena.

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Health, Indigenous Nations

Campbell River Maternity Clinic

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the Campbell River Maternity Clinic celebrates the fifth year since making a critical decision to relocate, one of the clinic’s physicians reflects on their continued efforts breaking barriers for families seeking birth support.

Continue reading Campbell River Maternity Clinic →