Photo: Bernadette Charlo and nephew Norman Crapeau in Detttah, NWT March 29 1971. René Fumoleau Collection
Wîwîp’son; the baby swing:
A traditional parenting practice
The practice of building a swing (Wîwîp’son in Cree) when a baby is born has been passed down through generations of caregivers in the Cree Nehiyaw (ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ) people.
Generations of Cree mothers and caregivers have used the swing to put their babies to sleep, nurture, and build a secure attachment with their infants. At WIHTA, we honour and share this knowledge with the understanding that it is different from the healing modality brought by the Big Wîwîp’son Healing swing (see below).
The Healing Swing
Darlene’s Vision
In 2001, Dr. Darlene Auger had a spiritual calling (Vision) to offer healing using a large adult-size hammock or cradle-like; swing (we say wîwîp’son in Cree). This healing modality is the first of its kind and it has become Dr. Auger’s life long research and work.
For over 20 years, Dr. Auger has been sitting with Elders, knowledge keepers and in Ceremony to develop and refine this Indigenous method of healing. Over the years, she has trained 3 women in the old traditional way of learning: by observing, doing and apprenticing. This training is not based on book learning but on ceremony and personal growth. After 24 years of offering this therapy across Canada, this healing modality continues to be in great demand. In an effort to preserve and ensure this knowledge is passed on to future generations of Indigenous helpers and healers, Dr. Auger (with the guidance of her own Elders) founded WIHTA.
“With our current state of being in the world; there is a great need for Iyiniw (Indigenous) ways of knowing, being and doing. It is time for us to help the world reconnect with spirit and learn to be in balance and live in harmony with one another and Mother Earth. Therefore, it is very important to train more people to do this work. It has been said by our Elder Jimmy O’cheise that we are now in the time of the little dipper; meaning that women must take the lead once again in the welfare of our people ; the world needs healing.” Dr. Darlene Auger
WIHTA
The Wîwîp’son Iyiniw Healing and Training Association (WIHTA) was born from Dr. Auger’s dream of sharing the teachings of wîwîp’son with future generations of Indigenous helpers and healers.
WIHTA was created with the dual purpose of sharing this healing modality with individuals and communities and to ensure future practitioners are properly trained and recognized as wîwîp’son practitioners around the world.
WIHTA’s apprenticeship program also empowers Indigenous women, men and 2Spirit folk by providing economic security, allowing them to make a living while supporting wholistic healing for Indigenous communities.
VISION
To see wîwîp’son healing practitioners certified and recognized worldwide, sharing the strength of Indigenous healing practices to promote wellness, cultural reconnection, and healing for Indigenous peoples across the globe.
MISSION
The Wîwîp’son Iyiniw Healing and Training Association (WIHTA) is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and sharing the sacred practice of wîwîp’son, the healing swing. Wîwîp’son nurtures mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being while strengthening cultural identity.
Our mission is to transfer ancestral knowledge and empower Indigenous women and 2S+ people as wîwîp’son healing practitioners, ensuring this practice continues to flourish across generations and communities. Through our four-year apprenticeship program, we equip participants with the teachings and practical skills to bring culturally grounded healing to Indigenous families and communities globally.
WIHTA is committed to advancing the well-being of Indigenous men, women, children, and 2S+ people by fostering cultural safety, promoting wellness, and creating sustainable economic opportunities. We also engage in community-based partnerships, research collaborations, and public education initiatives—ensuring wîwîp’son’s healing power reaches those who need it most while contributing to the resurgence of Indigenous-led solutions in health, recovery, and cultural preservation.
CORE VALUES
Cultural Integrity
We honour and preserve the sacred practice of wîwîp’son, ensuring it remains rooted in ceremony while adapting respectfully to support community healing today.
Holistic Wellness
wîwîp’son nurtures mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance for individuals, families, and communities.
Empowerment
We create pathways for Indigenous women and 2S+ people to become wîwîp’son healing practitioners, promoting economic independence, leadership, and cultural pride.
Community First
We prioritize the well-being of Indigenous communities by strengthening individuals and families, restoring cultural practices, and fostering safe spaces for healing.
Respect & Inclusion
We embrace all identities, including 2S+ people, with dignity and respect, recognizing that everyone has a place in the healing circle.
Reciprocity
We share knowledge and healing in ways that give back to the community, creating ripples of impact that extend beyond individuals to future generations.
Collaboration
We build partnerships with communities, researchers, and organizations to ensure wîwîp’son continues to grow as a respected and recognized healing practice.
