Sooke midwives bring story of revived vocation to the screen
Published 5:45 am Tuesday, March 10, 2026
A new documentary, Perennial Midwifery, shines a spotlight on the intergenerational story of two Sooke midwives and the revival of a nearly lost community vocation.
The original film tells the journey of local legend Uta Herold, originally from Germany, and her protege Crystal Herie, from the Métis community in qathet (Powell River). Together, they bring circular care to regional birthing families, a practice nearly lost before midwifery became legalized in British Columbia in 1998.
The film was created by former and current Sooke residents Lesley Marshall, Melanie Butler, Jayne Walling, and Gavin Andrews.
In addition to Perennial Midwifery, the event features a screening of Somos Parteiras (We Are Midwives), a 20-minute 1999 documentary following Amazon rainforest midwives advocating for state recognition in Brazil. Attendees will also experience poetry by Fatima-Ayan Malika Hirsi and live musical performances by Jayne Walling and Lesley Marshall.
Marshall, a multi-award-winning filmmaker and MFA candidate at UVic, serves as the film’s writer, animator, director, editor, and composer. Marshall’s work has screened at over 120 festivals worldwide and been featured in publications including Rolling Stone, Vice, and American Songwriter.
The evening promises a celebration of midwifery, community care, and the art of storytelling.
The movie will premiere on March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Edward Milne Community School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a suggested donation of $15. People wishing to attend the event can buy tickets online through Eventbrite.
