Celebrating Graduate Student Research Success: Candace Neumann

Candace Neumann was awarded the New Investigator Award for best oral abstract presentation in Social Science at the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) Conference for her presentation title: Our Ancestors Live in our Blood: Understanding Kinship, Storytelling and Place in Supports for Pregnant Indigenous Women Living with HIV.

She is a Red River Métis doula, artist, MSW-IK student, sundancer, cedar bath conductor, and community helper from Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her spirit name, Leads With Light, guides her in her community work, and is grounded in her relationships with her family and her community. She comes from a long line of fierce aunties and carries on the tradition with her 13 nephews and nieces, and 1 great niece.

In this Q&A, Candace talks about her work as an experienced doula, and shares insight about the Master in Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledges program (MSW-IK).

Why did you decide to focus your research on Indigenous women who are pregnant and living with HIV?

I have been doing community work for the past 20 years and Indigenous doula work for the past 10 years. A couple years ago, I started working on the Indigenous HIV Doula program through Ka Ni Kanichihk and the Village Lab. As a birth worker, what stood out for me, were the stories shared by Indigenous women who had experienced pregnancy while living with HIV. Although everyone’s experiences were unique to their journeys, there was a common thread of relationships, sharing of stories, and cultural and land connections that were powerful. I wanted to do research that honoured this.

Besides research, what other ways are you sharing your talents?

Alongside Indigenous midwife Melissa Brown, I co-founded Zaagi’idiwiin Indigenous Doula Training. Together we have trained hundreds of doulas from Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. As a doula, I volunteer my time to support Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ birthing people whenever I can.

Why did you choose the MSW-IK program as part of your post-secondary journey?

I chose the MSW-IK program because a very good friend of my recommended it to me. My work is focused on my community, as well as other Indigenous communities across Turtle Island and the focus of Indigenous knowledges in this program seemed to be in alignment with that.

Do you have any insight for prospective students interested in the program?

For any students considering applying for this, I would say that the elders make this program. They are so knowledgeable, supportive, and are the heart of the program.

Candace Neumann is currently working on her research thesis in the MSW-IK program and hopes to defend this summer.