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My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake,
it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.
Louis Riel
In collaboration with Juniper Midwives, Heart Lodge is the manifestation of the collective desires of a dedicated group of Indigenous midwives, mothers, and birth workers who envision the rekindling of traditional models of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting care.
Our mission is to support the flourishing of intergenerational love and healing, through culture, craft, and community cohesion.
At Heart Lodge, we believe that art is medicine. Whether it be the art of beading, breast/chestfeeding, or birthwork, our physical space has been lovingly designed to hold emotional, mental and spiritual space for the creative processes of caring for one another and ourselves.
The "heart" of Heart Lodge is our Indigenous Birth Worker Strategy. Which aims to match an Indigenous doula with each family who wishes to have one, and foster the revitalization of Indigenous midwives through mentorship and advocacy.
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Tansi, Wapasoos Nisiyikason
Hello, my name is Fair One, a name given to me by my Moosom, Hairy Alook. My English name is Charity Wenger. I am from the traditional territory of the Woodland Cree in Wabasca, Alberta which is Bigstone Cree in Nation Treaty 8 Territory. I am a mother of 8 and a grandmother of 1. I have been an Indigenous birth worker for 20 years and have had the honor of supporting many women to birth their babies in strength and safety. I am currently pursuing an education in Midwifery at Mount Royal University. I am passionate about our first ceremony earth side (birth) and look forward to journeying with families during this beautiful time in their lives.
Charity Wenger
Kristie Billard
My passion for midwifery and supporting women through prenatal, birth and postpartum came from having my three babies with midwives. My Grandmother Olive Onespot is from Tsuut'ina and my heart lies in serving Indigenous communities.
I have a background of 20 years in Alberta health care and laboratory medicine. I recently completed courses in Indigenous studies and women and gender studies and I am working on completing my Dona certification for postpartum Doula. As a Doula I support and nurture new moms while they adjust to life with a newborn.
Weaving culture and care into the next generation is how we continue to heal our communities. Wrap around care that supports women along this sacred journey instills self confidence in their parenting and decision making. Support and access to knowledge and resources strengthens new parents and families and helps them to thrive in their new roles.
Reconciliation starts by serving our people with culturally sensitive, trauma informed care within safe spaces. I am excited to be able to offer services to women and families and hold space to share our ancestral knowledge and stories and create community.