Indigenous Doula Consultant: Miranda Kelly

Doula Canada is honoured to have Miranda Kelly joining our administrative team as our Indigenous Doula Consultant.

Miranda will be working with Doula Canada to create opportunities and partnerships with our First Nations communities, seek fundraising for collaborative initiatives, and ensure our Doula Canada curriculum speaks to the relationships and experiences of all persons.

Learn a bit more about Miranda:

Why are you excited to be joining the Doula Canada team?

I am so excited to join Doula Canada as the Indigenous Doula Consultant. I love the vibrant Doula Canada community and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Doula Canada’s excellence in training.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am of Stό:lō (People of the River) and mixed settler ancestry. I was raised in my home community, Soowahlie First Nation (near Chilliwack, BC).  I carry the ancestral name of Tilyen, and I strive to bring honour to this name and my ancestors by working in service to First Nations and other Indigenous peoples.  I have enjoyed living on the beautiful unceded, ancestral lands of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples since 2009. I am a wife and mother to two young children.

What has been your experience in the doula world?

I am a birth and postpartum doula serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous families in Vancouver, BC. Prior to starting my doula practice, I worked for ten years in Indigenous Peoples’ health planning, policy, education, and research. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology, and a Master of Public Health Degree.

What are other relevant experiences you feel are important to your new role with Doula Canada?

From 2011-2016, I contributed to the ongoing transformation of First Nations health governance in BC that saw the creation of a first-of-its-kind First Nations Health Authority and the transfer of federal programs and services to the control of First Nations. I have provided guest lectures and conference panel and keynote presentations to wide audiences, including health sciences students, faculty, researchers, frontline health care professionals, and government partners. 

I have previously volunteered with the Chilliwack General Hospital, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Urban Native Youth Association, Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society, Mavis McMullen Housing Society, Canadian Public Health Association, and the Pacific Post Partum Support Society.

What are you currently involved in?

I currently practice as a member of the ekw’í7tl Indigenous Doula Collective. I am also a member of the BC Doula Services Association. I am proudly certified as a birth and postpartum doula through Doula Canada.

You can reach Miranda directly by emailing miranda@doulatraining.ca

Welcome to our team!