Who we are

The Rooted Birthwork Collective program provides low to no-cost doula support for Black families in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

The Who

The Rooted Birthwork Collective, formerly known as the Rooted & Resilient Doula Program, was founded in 2019 by Jessica Johnson in partnership with Black Ottawa Connect. The collective comprises Black birthworkers who share, recognize and honor the diverse experiences, traditions, and values within Black communities. They provide support that is culturally relevant, respectful, and affirming.

The What

The program provides low to no-cost doula support for Black families in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Additionally, it received funding in May 2022 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Fund, specifically through the Family Innovations Test Grant stream. This funding enabled the program to pilot offering no-cost full-spectrum doula support for Black parents who also identified as one of the following: newcomers to Canada, Francophone, individuals involved or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system, and/or low-income families.

The Why

The Rooted Birthwork Collective operates with a vision of reproductive justice, aiming to ensure that Black families have the resources, support, and agency to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being. They embrace the principles of reproductive justice, which include the right to have children, the right to not have children, and the right to nurture the children we have in a safe and healthy environment.

The Rooted Birthwork Collective, formerly known as the Rooted & Resilient Doula Program, was founded in 2019 by Jessica Johnson in partnership with Black Ottawa Connect.

Home
About
Mission, Vision and Values
Services
Contact

Home
About
Mission, Vision and Values
Services
Contact

Resources
For Parents & Service Providers
For Doulas
Reproductive Justice

Resources
For Parents & Service Providers
For Doulas
Reproductive Justice

community birthwork