Division of Indian Work - Ninde doula
This year has been especially challenging for our Indigenous and immigrant neighbors in the Twin Cities, as ICE's occupation this winter increased tension and fear and placed great financial burden on our communities. For more than 70 years, the Division of Indian Work (DIW) has been supporting and strengthening urban American India people in the Twin Cities - and this year their care is has been more crucial than ever.
BLCTC and the Bethlehem Foundation have maintained a strong connection to DIW through partnership, financial support, and volunteerism. Whether it's noisy offering donations, collecting personal hygiene items during Bethlehem's Day of Service to support moms and babies, or sharing grant monies, Bethlehem has been committed to serve its neighbors through the good work of DIW.
Recently the Bethlehem Foundation granted $5,500 to the Ninde Doula program, which offers educational, emotional, physical, and cultural support to Indigenous families throughout every stage of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum healing, including helping new mothers with breastfeeding privacy through lactation tents at community events.