BICTON Labor MLA Lisa O’Malley is backing the screening of a documentary which she hopes will lead to more culturally-appropriate birthing experiences for Indigenous women 

Filmed over two years on the ancestral home grounds of Yolnu First Nations people in Northeast Arnhem Land, Djäkamirr: Caretaker of Pregnancy and Birth follows sisters Lawurrpa and Sarah as they journey through ancestral time, country and culture, working with the community to pilot the training of Djäkamirr (maternity caretakers).

• Yolngu sisters Lawurrpa and Sarah.

The screening is being organised by maternity consumer representative Kylie Ekin, WA Country Health Service regional Aboriginal health consultant Janinne Gliddon, WA Country Health Service midwife Maddison Bell and Birth Tribe Midwifery founder Melissa Lynch.

Ms Ekin said the documentary was a rare insight into Indigenous birthing culture and the importance of incorporating ancestral wisdom in contemporary maternity care.

“We must now implement Birthing on Country in WA and ensure continuity of midwifery-led care models are accessible for all Aboriginal women,” Ms Ekin said.

Ms O’Malley said the documentary opened up an important conversation. 

The screening will be at the Windsor Theatre in Nedlands on November 13 from 6.30pm, and there will be an expert panel session following the screening.

Tickets from tickets.demand.film/event/12504