Way To Go: Death As Part of Life

Quadra island Way To Go works to integrate death as a natural part of community life by

• initiating conversations, providing education, and encouraging people to plan ahead on issues related to end-of-life, and
• empowering, guiding, and supporting the practice and process of caring for our own dead and dying, in community.

Way To Go began on Quadra in 2017, inspired by a talk given by Dale Presley of the Salish Sea Hospice Society. The conversation started with a small group of people, and regular monthly meetings soon followed.

In the spring of 2021, a group of volunteers were trained to guide, support, and assist families through the practice of caring for their own dead and dying. We have since gathered more supplies, equipment, and knowledge. Often a person who dies on Quadra can be buried on Quadra, without their body leaving the island. The bodies of those who have died in a hospital or care facility can be transported back to the island, and be tended to and prepared for burial or cremation by their loved ones. There are also trained death doulas who can be paid directly for their services. The website communityleddeathcare.ca has more information.

Way To Go strives to create more choices in our community for death and after death care. We have worked with the Quadra Island Cemetery Society (QICS) to designate an area in the community cemetery for natural (green) burial. This project continues, as we work to establish pathways, plant trees, and build a communal memorial structure.

Talking about our fears and past experiences with death often leads to an expanded openness towards life. In learning about the options available and having guidance, support, and assistance, we are empowered to make choices that align with who we are and what is important to us. When death is something that happens inside a community of people, it becomes a shared experience.

It is our belief that talking about death, learning more about it, and navigating it with more knowledge, support, and courage, is life-affirming.