Name
Treiva
Tribal Nation
Métis
Understand
Surrounded by wilderness, Hay River sits on the south shore of Great Slave Lake. Hay River was the first community in the Northwest Territories to be connected by a road to the rest of Canada. This is where Treiva Plamadon was born and raised.
Treiva holds memories of growing up with Métis traditions. They spent time out on the land hunting and fishing. Her grandfather played Métis tunes while the family danced and jigged to his fiddle. As she got older, Treiva gained a deep appreciation and understanding of the important and sacred nature of her family’s regular practices, like her mother smudging their home. The living traditions of her family made her feel supported and connected.
As an adult, Treiva understands the value of her people feeling connected and supported. She knows this is a particular need for women on their reproductive journey. She has always been drawn to midwifery and has a dream of bringing midwifery back to the communities of northern Canada.
Treiva is a full-spectrum Birthworker and Childbirth Educator. She has been fortunate to support families during their reproductive journeys. Her work is done through the non-profit organization Northern Birthwork Collective, which helps bridge the gap for families that are forced to evacuate their communities for birth and provides them support during that time. Treiva is pursuing midwifery to support those transitioning from the spirit world into life. She acknowledges her ancestral right to midwifery, to create safe spaces in birth for connection to culture and community.
Treiva plays an additional role in her community as a home support worker. She cares for elders and witnesses the close connection between life and death. As a full-spectrum doula, she provides culturally sensitive care. She hopes her efforts help her people reclaim their voice in matters of their own health care.
