Boozhoo, Hope nindizhinikaaz ozaawaa-aanakwadokwe indigo. Migizi nindoodem Mashkiziibing nindoonjibaa
Minogi'aawaso
Hello my name is Hope Mayotte, the spirits call me yellow cloud woman, I am eagle clan and from Bad River. I am raising my children in a good way.
Born and raised on my reservation, where I now raise my 6 children and work in my community. I love spending time outdoors-fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and so much more. I have a passion for my culture, learning my language, listening to the stories elders tell, and learning ceremonies and traditional medicines. My grandmother is a 4th degree medicine woman and I am blessed to have her on earth to pass some knowledge onto me. I like to have my children learning hands on with me every step of the way. I have 6 beautiful birth stories that are all completely unique and they all served a purpose in my life. As an Indigenous student midwife my purpose is to provide the sacred respected space that indigenous families need to receive the care and birth they wish. I carry many titles: Indigenous Birth Teachings Provider, Indigenous Doula, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, and Indigenous Midwife.
So why Midwifery? What lead me to this journey? Love and trauma, completely different but they intertwine in life. Birth of my first son, age 19, I have never felt love, fear, and trauma like the day he was born. My hospital birth was what made me realize what it is like to love and fear so fiercely. As an Indigenous young mother without her voice, I felt institutional racism and harassment. The looks on the nurses faces, the tone of their voices, and their hostile presence is something that I will never forget. What I didn’t know at the time was, that instant fear I had when I felt that I needed to protect my child, was not just being a first time parent, it was intergenerational trauma. Our Indigenous children were ripped from their families, and it is still in our genes. after feeling that fear my son never left my side, 3yrs go by and I couldn’t bear the thought of a night away from him. So when expecting my 2nd child I searched for an answer, how could I keep my son with me and safe? I met my Midwives at the Ashland Birth Center, and in them I found myself. I felt peace, love, support, and I felt myself heal. THAT is when I knew my purpose. My children, my family, and my community deserve to not only be able to prevent trauma but heal trauma. Indigenous people deserve culturally appropriate care and providers that are sensitive and have empathy. I may not have a purpose for everyone, but I am a safe haven for others. My purpose is to support Indigenous families at any level of care they may need.
its a great day to be Indigenous.
Miigwech
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