“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”
Mission Statement
Redefine unity to promote, educate, support and respect the diverse American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities present across the Northwest – reclaiming breastfeeding and first foods.
Summarry
What is the coalition?
The NW Intertribal Breastfeeding Coalition (NWIBC or Coalition) is committed to elevating breast/chest feeding as the first food by centering cultural health practices, prioritizing tribal values and fostering communities of support to improve the health and wellbeing of our people and future generations.
Vision
The NW Intertribal Breastfeeding Coalition (NWIBC or Coalition) is committed to elevating breast/chest feeding as the first food by centering cultural health practices, prioritizing tribal values and fostering communities of support to improve the health and wellbeing of our people and future generations.
Mission
Reclaiming traditional health practices that support breastfeeding initiation and duration. Promoting culturally sensitive breastfeeding education. Fostering inclusive and holistic breastfeeding environments and communities of practice. Normalizing and sustaining breast/chest feeding through community and workplace. initiatives, including policy and environment changes. Changing clinical systems that aren’t working, such as mending gaps/breaks in care. Assist efforts to identify and address systematic barriers to breast/chest feeding care. Guiding parents through holistic teachings of self-care. Viewing our approaches through a lens of trauma informed care. Normalizing different experiences of breast/chest feeding and creating self-acceptance. Empowering NW Tribal communities through trainings such as the peer counseling training and traditional medicines.
Values
Create a safe and non- judgmental space to share, vision and innovate. Partner with national BF coalitions to contribute and grow with the collective work. Acknowledge and address imposter syndrome – feelings of failure. Educating is our responsibility. Leverage our collective power to share resources, inform Tribes and Tribal health initiatives.