Ventures
Alaska Native Birthworkers Community
Supporting sovereignty from first breath through culturally-matched care for Alaska Native families.
For many rural Alaska Native families, childbirth means leaving home and support networks to give birth in hospitals hundreds of miles away in Alaska’s urban communities. Alaska Native Birthworkers Community (ANBC) provides free, culturally rooted care for Native birthing families—reclaiming Indigenous birth practices, restoring community connection and training a new generation of Indigenous birthworkers across the state.
Visit the website here.
Reclaiming the Traditional Birth Helper Role
Alaska Native Birthworkers Community supports Native families through pregnancy, birth and beyond by providing culturally-matched care and training Indigenous birthworkers from communities across the state.
ANBC birthworkers attend births, offer one-on-one and group support, and connect families with resources to support wellness from preconception through the first year of parenting. They also create space for connection and learning through visiting circles, multi-generational classes and mentorship.
Guided by the values of community, connection to lands and waters, and the honoring of traditional ceremony and teachings, Alaska Native Birthworkers Community work is grounded in the belief that every birth is an act of sovereignty. Alongside direct support for families, ANBC’s founders are strong advocates for systemic change—working to shift policies and practices to better serve rural and Native birthing families.
By reclaiming the traditional birth helper role, ANBC is restoring knowledge, dignity and self-determination to Alaska’s Indigenous birthing practices, one family at a time.
ANBC Pillars of Care
Birth Helper (Doula) Services
Alaska Native Birthworkers provides free informational, emotional, physical support for Native families in all stages of their reproductive journeys. Birthworkers attend births, offer ongoing support and connect families with culturally grounded resources for healthy pregnancies and parenting.
Indigenous Birthworker Trainings
Through training and connection opportunities, ANBC is growing and strengthening a statewide network of Indigenous birthworkers–expanding access to culturally-matched care while honoring the knowledge and traditions of Alaska Native peoples.
Mutual Aid & Donations
In partnership with community organizations, ANBC collects and redistributes maternity, newborn and breastfeeding care items, along with emergency food bags. Learn how to contribute.
Community Events
ANBC hosts in-person and virtual gatherings to share knowledge, strengthen community connection and support collective healing. Find upcoming events.
Impact
Over 500 families served across 96+ communities
77 Indigenous birthworkers trained
13 Indigenous doulas and educators on staff
