The Sistabirth program helps to empower Indigenous communities in Northern Rivers, New South Wales. It helps people learn about healthy birthing practices and equips them with cultural ties. Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service and Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation jointly run this program, that has been running for many years. Only a month or so ago, they performed their very first smoking ceremony on Bundjalung country. This expo was a tremendous victory for the community. It honored the birth and coming of age of babies and toddlers and reinforced cultural connections.
The Sistabirth program seeks to build Indigenous-led services that respect and focus on the cultural needs and preferences of Indigenous families. It focuses on birthing-on-country, which has been spreading across Australia since the first national workshop in 2012. The program provides a safe, culturally respectful space designed specifically for Indigenous women. It’s where they’re able to receive care and safely give birth while addressing the specific challenges they experience in the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Cultural Connection
Every day, the Sistabirth program succeeds because of passionate people like Bullinah midwife Suzanne Weir, cultural advisor Deekeala Glew. They are deeply committed to making certain that women are respected and listened to in their birthing experiences. Their work is invaluable in helping to shape the program. More than anything, they work hard to establish a holistic, healing and supportive setting for mothers and their babies.
James Harrington, the program’s federal administrator at Bullinah, described his emotional experience of giving birth-on-country. His own family used a similar program in Queensland when welcoming their second child. He emphasized the need for improved communication and cultural sensitivity among healthcare providers, including integrating traditional healing practices in health systems.
“There was better communication, better transparency and better cultural care, where I felt like we were shown respect and dignity,” – James Harrington.
Harrington stressed the need of Black families still suffering from the impacts of systemic racism in local healthcare settings.
“With the local healthcare system or the hospitals, the community is facing challenges of systemic racism. It seems like an ongoing matter for a lot of families we speak to,” – James Harrington.
Celebrating New Life and Heritage
The recent ceremony, with elders, families and community members in attendance, provided an opportunity to commemorate life and culture. Tarra Gordon, a support coordinator at Bullinah, observed how the presence of babies and toddlers illuminated the faces of the elders.
“It’s very significant for our elders and women who didn’t get to do traditional practices back when they were having babies,” – Tarra Gordon.
Moms such as Jalissa Armstrong wear their visions for their children on their sleeves. They hope their children will be raised with a strong understanding of their culture. Armstrong shared how she focused on creating cultural pride and values in her daughter, Violet.
“They will grow up knowing where they were born [and that] they come from this country,” – Suzanne Weir.
Relicca Kelly, a mother of four, affirmed Gordon’s concerns when she said that these events were important. She joined the ceremony with her youngest child, Yarambati, benefiting from the chance to reconnect to her origins.
“It’s good to have these events just to feel connected,” – Relicca Kelly.
A Vision for the Future
The Sistabirth program is a living manifestation of that dream, of a future where Indigenous women have uninhibited access to culturally appropriate, holistic care. Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr, involved with the Pangula Mannamurna Sistabirth program in South Australia, expressed her hope for expanding these initiatives. She further explained that women need a space where they feel safe, and their cultural needs are honored.
“The women want to be heard, they want to be respected, they want a safe place to get their care and to give birth,” – Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr.
She mentioned aspirations for a dedicated birthing house where Indigenous families can feel secure from the moment they enter.
“They are aiming high. They talk about having their own birth house, and when they walk in they feel safe straight away,” – Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr.
As long as local community leaders and health professionals continue to support them, programs like Sistabirth will remain an invaluable space for Indigenous families. They offer not only safe birthing practices but a reconnection with cultural heritage often lost in mainstream healthcare systems.
