Biindigen Families Empowers Indigenous Parents and Caregivers Through Full Spectrum Doula Training

(December 9, 2025) - An Indigenous-led grassroots initiative with strong ties to Laurentian University is making a meaningful impact on families across the Sudbury region.

Biindigen Families, founded in 2021 by Nicole Wemigwans of the School of Indigenous Relations and Paula Pitawanakwat of the School of Social Work, was created to support Indigenous parents, caregivers, and families through culturally grounded programming and training. Guided by traditional knowledge and community needs, the group continues to grow its presence and its reach.

Most recently, Biindigen Families helped bring the Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula Training program to Sudbury, an opportunity that drew overwhelming interest from First Nation communities. The training was offered by Aunties on the Road and coordinated through the efforts of Ophelia O’Donnell, a graduate student in the School of Rural and Northern Health, and collaborator Hailey Sutherland, who jointly managed the application process and organizational logistics.

Hosted by the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, the week-long intensive training welcomed 30 participants from surrounding communities. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, accessed a mobile resource library, and took part in participant-led discussions that enriched the collective learning experience. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics essential to supporting Indigenous families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

For Biindigen Families, the response was a powerful affirmation of the need for accessible, culturally grounded doula training in the North. By equipping more Indigenous caregivers with this knowledge, the program aims to strengthen family wellness, community care, and cultural continuity across the region.

As Biindigen Families continues its work, initiatives like this highlight the importance of community-driven collaboration, rooted in Laurentian University’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous leadership, and supporting the well-being of families across northern communities.