| JASHA LYONS ECHO-HAWK (Seminole, Pawnee, Mvskoke Creek, Omaha, Ioway), Intertribal Birthworker, Indigenous Lactation Counselor, Co-founder of Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective

| KIMBERLY MOORE-SALAS (Navajo/Diné), International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective

VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

The Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective is a grassroots organization formed in 2021. It consists of Native women, two-spirit individuals, clinicians and advocates. Our mission is to increase support and resources for Native first food experiences, promote healing and wellness, and advocate for access, visibility, and equity in Indigenous milk experiences. We prioritize Indigenous-led solutions to address barriers faced by Native lactation providers, supporters, and milk medicine carriers in healthcare.
 
Indigenous milk medicine is recognized as a sacred and sustainable food system that promotes rematriation, public health, and ceremony. By defying colonial systems and norms, breast/chestfeeding becomes an act of resilience and cultural sovereignty. Decolonizing feeding practices supports food sovereignty, traditional kinship practices, and the healing of future generations. Access to human milk is tied to rematriation, gender equity, self-determination, body autonomy, cultural reclamation, and language revitalization.
 
We host the annual Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (est. 2019) which is an event that aims to promote the diversity of the human milk feeding experiences, to acknowledge the specific challenges faced by Indigenous milk medicine carriers, and to encourage and celebrate the lactation journeys of individuals and their communities. The week offers three tracks of thematic programming – Education, Traditional offerings, and Wellness – that offer clinical, educational, and supportive resources focusing on creating balance and well-being for these important caregivers as they nurture future generations.
 
Overall, Indigenous Milk Medicine Week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, promote cultural diversity, and provide support for Native and Indigenous milk medicine carriers and their communities.