Pilick, Kingsclear First Nation, 15 kilometers west of Fredericton, welcomed baby Truth on June 23 at 12:27 am. He was born at home surrounded by family and the sound of drums. His mother, Keyaira Gruben, said she chose to give birth at home because she wanted to feel culturally safe. “We have to celebrate [this] birth in such a beautiful way,” Gruben, 27, said. She said her grandmother told her it was the first home birth in their community in 85 years. Opolahsomuwehes (Imelda Perley), a Wolastoqey knowledge keeper who has been working to revitalize childbirth practices for 20 years, said she believes this to be true. Gruden had her daughter Cedar five years ago in the hospital and said they were able to drum her up. But because of the COVID-19 restrictions, Gruben wasn’t sure how many people could be present at the hospital with this birth. She said that by choosing a home birth, she had all the supports she needed. Keyaira Gruben and Zach Arsenault with their son, Truth. (Submitted by Keyaira Gruben ) She worked with two midwives throughout her pregnancy. The community also gathered to light a sacred fire for the ceremony, sun dancers came to help shed the Truth to the world, and Gruben was led in the ceremony by Opolahsomuwehes, who also led a pipe ceremony. Gruben said the level of support she received was amazing and didn’t stop once her son was born. Neighbors continued to bring food for her family for at least a week, and her midwives were able to answer all of her questions and continued to check on her regularly. “It was very relatable and that’s what I really wanted to share,” Gruben said. She said that during the birth, 15-20 people were at her home to offer support. Gruben said her neighbors told her that when they heard the drums coming from their yards, they started praying for her. She said she is grateful to be part of the revival of childbirth ceremonies in her community. Gruben said the ceremony helped take away her fear of childbirth, and she hopes it will do the same for other indigenous women. “The work of childbirth is so sacred, and the birth of a child affects everyone,” Gruben said. Opolahsomuwehs (Imelda Perley) offers language instruction and spiritual guidance to Wabanaki communities. (Myfanwy Davies/CBC) Opolahsomuwehs said she was grateful to be part of the ceremony. He said the birthing ceremonies help bring the community together. Opolahsomuwehs said Wabanaki communities would once help celebrate the birth of a child and share in the responsibility of raising that child, and that with the birth of Truth, she saw a revival of that. Opolahsomuwehs said that when she asked for bear fur for the ceremony, someone sent some from Newfoundland. He also asked for firefighters for the ceremony, and Pilick’s community members quickly came. “It was absolutely amazing,” Opolahsomuwehs said. She hopes more Native communities can experience the power of community births and said she will continue to push for a Wabanaki doula program.
