Carrying Her Kookum’s Strength: Charity Wenger’s Journey to Midwifery
When Charity Wenger was chosen to receive the Shannon Bryan Memorial Scholarship, it was more than an accolade — it was a meaningful show of support during a demanding chapter of her life.
As a single mother and full-time student in Mount Royal University's Bachelor of Midwifery program, Charity is no stranger to juggling priorities. The financial pressures of pursuing a degree while raising a family can be daunting, and this scholarship helps ease some of those burdens as she continues her journey toward becoming a midwife.
But this story isn’t just about support — it’s about strength, legacy, and a woman answering a call.
"I watched my Kookum work hard in her life to live a simple but good life. She was tanning hides into her 80's, chopping wood for her stove, and setting snares. I marveled at her strength since I was little. If I can be half as strong as her in my lifetime, I will feel accomplished."
"I watched my Kookum work hard in her life to live a simple but good life. She was tanning hides into her 80's, chopping wood for her stove, and setting snares. I marveled at her strength since I was little. If I can be half as strong as her in my lifetime, I will feel accomplished."
Charity brings that same strength into every part of her life - as a mother, a student, and a future midwife. Even on the toughest days, her sense of purpose carries her forward.
“My community, my children, and my grandchildren are what keep me going", says Charity. "I want to be a safe, professional, compassionate midwife for my people. I hope one day that my grandchildren will see me how I saw my Kookum — a pillar of strength, a soft place to land, and a home they always feel safe in.”
“My community, my children, and my grandchildren are what keep me going", says Charity. "I want to be a safe, professional, compassionate midwife for my people. I hope one day that my grandchildren will see me how I saw my Kookum — a pillar of strength, a soft place to land, and a home they always feel safe in.”
Her vision of midwifery is deeply tied to cultural restoration and future generations. Charity dreams of a world where Indigenous birthing practices are accessible, respected, and celebrated.
“I hope to see the day when our people birth in ceremony again, surrounded by their family’s strength, prayers, and songs. I hope that every Indigenous life that comes into the world hears their language and songs after their first breath.”
“I hope to see the day when our people birth in ceremony again, surrounded by their family’s strength, prayers, and songs. I hope that every Indigenous life that comes into the world hears their language and songs after their first breath.”
Though she answered the call to midwifery later in life, Charity believes it's never too late to pursue your purpose.
"Time is always going to pass, but that dream and desire you have will never be quenched till you go after it. There's a reason you have a desire in your heart. Listen to it!"
"Time is always going to pass, but that dream and desire you have will never be quenched till you go after it. There's a reason you have a desire in your heart. Listen to it!"
...and If she could be gifted one supernatural power to help her along the way?
"Endless energy" says Charity. "It took me a long time to answer the call. 'I am sorry Kookum. I'm here now, and I am fully committed to becoming the midwife that our community needs.'"
"Endless energy" says Charity. "It took me a long time to answer the call. 'I am sorry Kookum. I'm here now, and I am fully committed to becoming the midwife that our community needs.'"
Charity is not just honoring her past — she is shaping the future. Through her journey, her strength, and her calling, she is answering a need that goes far beyond the delivery room. In doing so, she carries forward the legacy of those who came before her — strength and resilency.
Charity (pictured above with her Kookum, Agatha Alook) was born and raised in Wabasca, Alberta — the homeland of the Bigstone Cree Nation, located within Treaty 8 territory. She is a proud mother of eight and grandmother of two. Inspired by her grandmother Agatha, who was traditional midwife, When she completes her studies, she hopes to blend her academic training with the cultural ceremonies and teachings that have long-guided birth in her community.