As of 2025, Death Doulas of Manitoba’s Death Doula Course is
officially recognized by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada!
REGISTER HERE
Early Registration is open for Autumn 2026!
Course Investment: $625 Canadian (early registration pricing)
(does not include books)
Read the full registration document for payment plan options, refund policies,
and other important details!
Mandatory Reading
“Finding Peace at the End of Life” by Henry Fersko-Weiss
“Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully” by Julie McFadden
“Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying” by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley
Suggested Additional Reading
“The Needs of the Dying: A Guide for Bringing Hope, Comfort, and Love to Life’s Final Chapter” by David Kessler
Class Outline
Week One
Introductions, Class Etiquette, and Class Outlines
The Role of the Doula: Terminology and Definitions
Death Doula Do’s and Don’ts (Scope of Practice)
Death as a Sacred Transition
Week Two
Communication (having difficult conversations/speaking about illness, death, and dying/advocating for clients and empowering them to make informed decisions)
Final Wishes, Health Care Directives, and Advance Care Plans
Ethics, Legal Information, and Standards of Practice
Book Study (“Finding Peace at the End of Life” by Henry Fersko-Weiss)
Week Three
Alternative Practices and Non-Medical Pain Relief Options (Information about Reiki, Sound Healing, Palliative Massage, and more)
Cross Cultural Beliefs and Honouring Traditions
Supporting Difficult Situations (estrangement, distant relationships, challenging circumstances)
Book Study (“Finding Peace at the End of Life” by Henry Fersko-Weiss)
Week Four
Weeks and Months Before Active Dying
MAiD Information and Statistics
Palliative Care and Hospice Information
Active Dying: Signs, Myths, and Facts
Vigils: Setting the Tone for Active Dying
Book Study (Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully” by Julie McFadden)
Week Five
Working with Other Professionals in Death Care
Death is Not an Emergency (what to do when someone dies at home and it is expected)
Introduction to Shrouding and Ceremony Practices
Funeral Guidelines and Information
Home Funerals
Book Study (Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully” by Julie McFadden)
Week Six
What Doulas Can Do in the Days and Weeks After Death has Occurred
Grief and Bereavement: A Sacred Time for Support and Care
Resources and Skills to Help Support The Bereaved
Book Study “Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying” by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley
Week Seven
Guest Speakers (subject to change based on availability)
Palliative Manitoba – Volunteering and Compassionate Care Course information
Funeral Services – Information about cremation, options, open for Q & A
Palliative Care Professional – Realities of working in palliative care
Final Class Information and Assignment
Book Study “Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying” by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley
Week Eight
How to Build a Business as a Death Doula
What Comes Next? Suggestions and Tips on Where to Begin
Community, Provincial, National, and Online Resources
Course Review
Questions and Answers
Graduation Ceremony and Celebration
There will be an additional option for an apprenticeship to help emerging doulas gain real world training and experience.
Along with theory on a vast array of topics (advance care planning, how to support the dying and bereaved, legacy projects, alternative/holistic approaches to death and dying, ceremony and ritual, and so much more!) there will be a hands on approach to this learning, giving students the experience they need to begin offering their support and services to their communities.