Training & Events
Explore upcoming Indigenous-led trainings, gatherings, and opportunities to support birthwork, lactation education, and community healing.
SEPTEMBER 2025
September 23 - 27 —Indigenous Lactation Counselor Training - Pawnee, OK
Event Details:
Date: September 23–27, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: Pawnee Nation Multipurpose Building - 808 Morris Rd. Pawnee, OK 74058
Hosted By: Four Sisters Birth & Health Sovereignty
This free 5-day, 45-hour training is for those who self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations, or Native and are committed to supporting breastfeeding/ chestfeeding families in their communities. Participants will gain foundational lactation education, clinical skills, and culturally rooted teachings centered in Indigenous knowledge. You do not need to be a health professional or have prior experience in lactation or maternal health to apply.
The training will be led by renowned Indigenous IBCLCs Camie Goldhammer (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyaté) and Kimberly Moore-Salas (Diné/Navajo), and will be held in Pawnee, Oklahoma.
There is no cost to participants.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and materials will be provided daily.
Participants must commit to attending all five full days to receive certification as an Indigenous Lactation Counselor (ILC).
We will accept up to 35 participants. Travel and lodging are not provided.
Priority will be given to local applicants and those serving Indigenous families in any role (formally or informally).
Important Dates:
Final Application Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Sent no later than Monday, September 15, 2025
Training Dates: September 23–27, 2025
Location: Pawnee, Oklahoma
Contact: info@foursistershealth.org
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Disclaimer: This training is made possible in part through support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB). The content is solely the responsibility of Four Sisters Birth & Health Sovereignty and does not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or SPTHB.
September 24 —ILC Evening Meal & Handgame - Pawnee, OK
Join us for an evening meal & handgame in honor of visiting guests and Indigenous lactation counselor trainees. The meal is sponsored by Four Sisters Birth & Health Sovereignty. Come fellowship with us, everyone is welcome!
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm for meal (Handgame to follow)
Location: Roam Chief Building - 810 Beck Drive, Pawnee, OK 74058
Everyone is welcome! Please bring your own dishes to the meal
Cultural Resources Division Sticks
Event Sponsors:
Indigenous Lactation Counselor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) | Oklahoma Area - Tribal Epidemiology Center
September 27 —ILC Boob-E-Que - Pawnee, OK
Hope to see you there!
You’re invited to the “Boob-E-Que” as an end-of-training celebration in honor of the 50th Indigenous Lactation Counselor Training. Join us Saturday, September 27, 2025 as we celebrate our newly trained Indigenous lactation counselors. We will have BBQ sliders and sides available while supplies last. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact: info@foursistershealth.org.
Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Pawnee Nation Roundhouse - 900 Agency Road, Pawnee, OK 74058
Everyone is welcome! Please bring your own dishes to the meal
Vendors are welcome
Event Sponsors:
Indigenous Lactation Counselor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) | Oklahoma Area - Tribal Epidemiology Center
Meet Your Educators
Camie Jae Goldhammer
Camie (she/her) is a Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyaté Clinical Social Worker, IBCLC, Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula, Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective Member, and Founding Executive Director of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services.
Kimberly Moore-Salas
Kimberly (she/her) is a Dine’ woman born for Naakaii Diné and from Tsi’naajinii clans, with roots in Tolani Lake, Navajo Nation. She is an experienced IBCLC, Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective Member, business owner, and co-instructor of the Indigenous Lactation Counselor training program.
Together, Camie and Kim have trained over 800 Indigi-LCs across Turtle Island since 2017 and continue to lead with joy, cultural reclamation, and deep care for Indigenous families
Join the Movement
Since 2017, Camie and Kim have trained over 800 Indigenous Lactation Counselors across Turtle Island, each one a powerful step toward reclaiming birth and feeding traditions. This is a beautiful opportunity to deepen your knowledge, serve your community, and become part of a growing network of culturally rooted care.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this legacy. Apply now and help expand the circle of support for Indigenous families.
FAQs
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This opportunity is open to individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations, or Native and are committed to supporting breast/chestfeeding families in their communities.
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No prior experience is required. You do not need to be a health professional to apply—just bring your commitment to community care and learning.
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Participants will receive:
A 45-hour, in-person training led by Indigenous IBCLCs
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all training materials
Certification as an Indigenous Lactation Counselor (ILC) upon completion
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Travel and lodging are not provided. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations and transportation to Pawnee, Oklahoma.
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To receive certification, participants must attend all five full days of training (September 23–27, 2025), from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
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Space is limited to 35 participants. We encourage you to apply early to secure your spot.
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Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to complete the application form. Final Application Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025 Notification of Acceptance: Sent by September 15, 2025